Easy Homemade Chili Recipe: A Comforting Classic
What is This Recipe?
This Easy Homemade Chili is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. It’s a rich, hearty dish filled with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and aromatic spices that come together to create the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is simple to prepare with basic ingredients, making it an easy, go-to meal for any night of the week. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and customizable, so you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
With the right blend of spices and the smoky sweetness of tomato sauce, this chili recipe is perfect for cold nights, potlucks, or even game days. You’ll love how the flavors meld together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with warmth.
Let’s get started with this quick and easy homemade chili recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 1 hour | 6 people | 6-8 cups of chili |
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound of ground beef (or opt for ground turkey for a lighter alternative)
- One 15-ounce can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
- 1 can of black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, adds depth)
Directions: Step-by-Step
- Sauté the Aromatics
Warm the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it becomes aromatic. - Brown the Meat
Incorporate the ground beef into the pot, using a wooden spoon to crumble it apart. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through about 6-8 minutes. Remove any extra fat from the pot if needed. - Add the Beans and Tomatoes
Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Pour in the beef broth, which will help to deglaze the pot and bring everything together. - Season and Simmer
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the chili cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. - Taste and Adjust
After the chili has simmered and the flavors have melded together, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the chili is too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or water to thin it out. For a richer flavor, let the chili simmer for a longer time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This chili is made with simple chili ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it easy to throw together on a busy weeknight.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just 45 minutes of simmering, this quick easy homemade chili recipe is perfect for when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the spices, using different beans, or adding extra vegetables.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground Beef: For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Beans: This recipe uses kidney beans and black beans, but you can use pinto beans or cannellini beans as well.
- Tomato Paste: The tomato paste adds a deep, concentrated flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, you can use tomato sauce, though it will be slightly less intense.
- Spices: The blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives the chili its rich, smoky flavor. Feel free to add or reduce the cayenne pepper to control the heat.
- Beef Broth: You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth, or even water, though broth adds a richer flavor.
How to Make Easy Homemade Chili: Expert Tips
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor, so don’t rush this step. It helps to develop the meat’s natural flavors and makes the chili richer.
- Let It Simmer: While this chili can be ready in about an hour, the longer you let it simmer, the better it tastes. For even more flavor, try simmering it for up to 2 hours on low heat.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add extra cayenne pepper or even a diced jalapeño to the pot. If you prefer a milder chili, you can skip the cayenne altogether.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with extra beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the beans and load up on extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower for a low-carb chili that’s still rich and flavorful.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick. You can also use fresh or dried chili peppers for more heat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This chili freezes well! Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the chili in a pot on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin it out as it heats.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve this homemade chili with a side of cornbread or over steamed rice for a traditional pairing.
- Toppings: Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onions, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
- Chili Dogs: Use this chili as a topping for hot dogs or baked potatoes for a fun and easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Transfer everything to a slow cooker after browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. - Can I make chili without beans?
Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of beans, simply omit them and add more ground beef or vegetables instead. - Can I make this chili spicier?
Yes! Add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat.
You’ll Also Love:
If you enjoyed this quick and easy homemade chili recipe, you might also love these similar recipes:
- Spicy Beef Chili: For those who love a bit of heat, this recipe packs an extra punch.
- Vegetarian Chili: A hearty and healthy alternative packed with beans and veggies.
- Chili Mac: A fun twist on chili with macaroni and cheese combined for a comfort food masterpiece.
Conclusion
This easy homemade chili is the perfect recipe for a cozy, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions, you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of chili in no time!
Give it a try, and savor the comforting warmth and bold flavors of this Easy Homemade Chili! Perfect for cozying up on a chilly day or adding a satisfying kick to any meal. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique take on this classic comfort food!