This homemade chili is warm, hearty, and perfect for cozy nights. With ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices, it’s a tasty dish that fills you up.
It’s also super simple to make! Just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. I love adding some cheese on top before serving—cheesy goodness makes it even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for its flavor and texture, but you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Kidney Beans: These beans add heartiness and protein. If you don’t have kidney beans, pinto beans or black beans work just as well. They have different flavors but still taste great in chili.
Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes and tomato paste are essential for that rich chili base. If you’re short on canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes can be used—just peel and dice about 2 cups of them!
Chili Powder: This spice blend is key for flavor. If you can’t find it, a mix of paprika and cayenne can work as a makeshift substitute, but the flavor may differ slightly.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Chili?
To get a chili that’s bursting with flavor, don’t rush the cooking process. The key steps include:
- Start by sautéing onions and garlic—this builds a solid flavor base. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Brown the meat thoroughly; this adds depth. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Introduce the spices after browning the meat. This helps release their aromas, making your chili taste even better.
- Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together. Feel free to simmer it for an hour or more.
- If it thickens too much during cooking, add a splash of beef broth or water.
Homemade Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Chopped green onions or cilantro, for garnish
- Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
Time Needed:
This hearty homemade chili comes together in about 15 minutes of prep time and requires around 30 minutes of cooking time. Total time from start to finish is about 45 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. This step adds a delightful flavor base to your chili!
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter. You want it fragrant and golden!
3. Browning the Beef:
Now, it’s time to add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart in the pot. Cook until the beef is fully browned and there’s no pink remaining, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off to keep your chili from being greasy.
4. Spicing Things Up:
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to the beef. Stir well so everything is coated with those delicious spices!
5. Combining the Ingredients:
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, kidney beans, and your choice of beef broth or water. Mix everything well to ensure a thorough blend of flavors.
6. Simmer and Cook:
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If it gets too thick for your liking, add a little more broth or water.
7. Final Touches:
Taste your chili and adjust the seasonings according to your preference—maybe a bit more salt or some extra spice! Once it’s just how you like it, it’s ready to serve!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the chili into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro. For an added crunch, serve with tortilla chips on the side. Enjoy your warm, hearty homemade chili!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner chili. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as it may cook slightly faster than beef. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat or by adding more beans and vegetables. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra texture and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Chili?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
What Can I Serve with Chili?
This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it over baked potatoes for a hearty meal!
