This hearty homemade chili is packed with beans, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful spices. It’s perfect for warming up your day, especially on chilly nights!
Who doesn’t love a big bowl of chili? I like to add my favorite toppings like cheese and sour cream for extra yum! It’s a crowd-pleaser and so simple to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its rich flavor, but turkey or chicken can work well too! You can even use plant-based meat if you’re going for a vegetarian option.
Kidney Beans: Kidney beans are classic in chili, but black beans or pinto beans make great substitutes. If beans aren’t your thing, you could skip them altogether for a meatier dish.
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes give great texture. If you have fresh tomatoes, use about 4-5 cups diced. For something different, fire-roasted canned tomatoes add a nice smokiness.
Spices: Chili powder is crucial, but feel free to customize! Try adding chipotle powder for smokiness, or paprika for a sweet touch if you want less heat. Always adjust according to your taste!
How Do I Get My Chili to Be Thick and Flavorful?
To achieve the perfect chili consistency, the simmering step is key. Cooking it low and slow allows flavors to develop and the liquid to reduce for a thicker texture.
- After adding the broth and beans, bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Cover loosely to prevent splattering but allow steam to escape, thickening the chili.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially towards the end of cooking.
Tasting is also important! Don’t hesitate to adjust spices and salt near the end for a fully flavorful chili. Enjoy your cooking!
Homemade Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb 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 smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For Serving (Optional Toppings):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Tortilla chips or crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time, giving you a total of around 55 minutes to enjoy a delicious bowl of homemade chili!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with Sautéing the Veggies:
First, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, which should take about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be translucent and fragrant!
2. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook it for an additional 30 seconds. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Brown the Beef:
Now, it’s time to add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off to keep the chili from being too greasy.
4. Season It Up:
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute so the spices can toast and develop their flavors.
5. Mix in the Main Ingredients:
Now, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir everything well to combine all those delicious flavors!
6. Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover it. Let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. You want it to thicken up nicely and let those flavors meld together.
7. Taste and Adjust:
After the simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you like it spicier!
8. Serve Deliciously:
Ladle the chili into bowls and top each with some shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions for a fresh kick.
9. Add Crunch:
Finally, serve it up with tortilla chips or crackers on the side for dipping. Enjoy every warm, comforting bite of your homemade chili!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade chili!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be milder, so you might want to adjust the spices to your taste.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a mix of your favorite beans (like black beans and pinto beans) and add some chopped veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and flavor!
What Should I Do If My Chili Is Too Thick?
If your chili turns out too thick, you can easily add a bit more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir it well and let it simmer for another few minutes to combine the flavors.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.
