Warm Up with the Best Homemade Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s something about a bowl of homemade chili that just hits the spot. Whether it’s a cold winter night or you’re hosting a game day gathering, chili is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make, comforting, and packed with flavor. With tender beef, beans, a blend of spices, and just the right amount of heat, this recipe is perfect for those who love a bold, hearty chili.

Making chili from scratch may seem intimidating, but it’s one of the easiest dishes you can prepare. The best part is, it’s highly customizable, so you can make it as spicy (or mild) as you like, or even load it up with extra veggies or different types of beans. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll be ready to whip up a pot of delicious, homemade chili that’s sure to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Chili Recipe

– Big, Bold Flavors: This recipe is loaded with garlic, cumin, chili powder, and jalapeños for a rich, layered flavor that’s both savory and spicy.

– Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples like canned beans, tomatoes, and common spices, this chili recipe is both accessible and affordable.

– Perfect for Meal Prep: Chili only gets better as it sits, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prepping ahead of a busy week.

– Customizable Heat: You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, cayenne, or chili powder to suit your taste buds.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need for This Chili Recipe

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this tasty chili:

– Beef (2 lbs): Ground beef is the star of this dish, adding heartiness and richness. You can use lean ground beef, but a higher fat content will give you extra flavor.

– Parsley (¼ cup): Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to balance the rich spices.

– Garlic (4 cloves): Minced garlic gives the chili a deep, aromatic flavor that’s essential for any great chili.

– Jalapeños (2): For a bit of heat and added flavor, jalapeños are perfect. If you like it extra spicy, keep the seeds in. If not, remove them for a milder kick.

– Kidney Beans (16 oz can): These beans add texture and absorb all the rich flavors of the chili.

– Pinto Beans (16 oz can): Another classic bean variety that makes chili hearty and satisfying.

– Canned Tomatoes (28 oz): Diced or crushed tomatoes help create the base for the chili. They add a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the spices.

– Onion (1): A diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the chili, rounding out the savory flavors.

– Ketchup (15 oz): This may seem like an unusual ingredient, but ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor.

– Cayenne (¼ tsp): Just a little cayenne pepper brings the heat, but feel free to add more if you like it spicier.

– Chili Powder (3 Tbsp): The main spice for chili, chili powder brings warmth and a smoky flavor.

– Sugar (1 tsp): A touch of sugar balances the acidity from the tomatoes and the heat from the spices.

– Salt (1 tsp) & Pepper (1 tsp): These staples season the chili and help bring all the flavors together.

– Oil (4 Tbsp): Olive oil or vegetable oil helps to sauté the vegetables and brown the beef.

– Cumin (2 tsp): Cumin adds a smoky, earthy flavor that complements the chili powder and makes the dish more complex.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Chili

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to prep all your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley and jalapeños (removing the seeds if you want a milder chili). Open your cans of beans and tomatoes, so everything is ready to go once you start cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside in a bowl.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and the diced onion. Cook the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeños. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Spices

Now it’s time to add the spices that give the chili its bold flavor. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook the spices for about 1 minute to toast them and bring out their full flavor.

Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Ketchup

Once the spices are fragrant, pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juices) and the ketchup. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. The tomatoes and ketchup create the rich base for the chili, while the acidity from the tomatoes will balance the heat of the spices.

Step 6: Add the Beans and Beef

Drain and rinse both the kidney and pinto beans, then add them to the pot along with the cooked beef. Stir everything together to combine, and let the chili simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the flavors meld together and the chili doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

After the chili has simmered for a while, give it a taste. If you feel it needs more salt, pepper, or heat, now’s the time to adjust the seasoning. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can let it simmer for a bit longer uncovered to let more liquid evaporate.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once your chili is done, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Tips for Making the Best Chili

– Simmer for Flavor: The longer you let the chili simmer, the better the flavors will meld together. If you have time, let it simmer for an hour or even longer for the best results.

– Adjust the Heat: If you like your chili extra spicy, add more jalapeños or increase the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne and jalapeños.

– Add Depth with Beer or Broth: For a deeper flavor, you can replace some of the liquid with beer or beef broth. Just be sure to let it cook down to avoid a watery chili.

– Use Different Beans: If you’re not a fan of kidney or pinto beans, feel free to use black beans, navy beans, or any other variety you like.

– Make It Ahead: Chili is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat on the stove before serving.

Chili Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations to try with this base recipe:

– Turkey Chili: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.

– Vegetarian Chili: Skip the meat and add more beans, veggies, or even tofu for a hearty, meatless version.

– White Chicken Chili: Use chicken breasts or thighs, white beans, and green chiles for a lighter, creamy version.

– Chili Mac: Stir cooked macaroni into the chili and top with extra cheese for a comforting chili mac dish.

Best Sides to Serve with Chili

Chili is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

– Cornbread: A slice of sweet, crumbly cornbread is the perfect companion to a bowl of spicy chili.

– Rice: Serve the chili over white or brown rice for a heartier meal.

– Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for dipping and scooping up every last bite of chili.

– Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty chili.

– Baked Potatoes: Serve chili over a baked potato for a comforting and filling dish.

Wrapping Up

There you have it—a foolproof, hearty homemade chili recipe that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this chili is guaranteed to be a hit. With its rich flavors, customizable heat, and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Chili is one of those recipes that you can really make your own, so don’t be afraid to get creative with different ingredients or toppings. Pair it with cornbread, rice, or chips, and you’ve got a meal that’s satisfying, delicious, and comforting.

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Hearty Homemade Chili

Learn how to make the best homemade chili with this hearty, flavorful recipe. Packed with beef, beans, spices, and jalapeños, this easy chili is perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings.

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword beef chili, best chili recipe, chili with beans, chili with pinto beans, easy chili, hearty chili,, homemade chili recipe, spicy chili recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 8

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Ground Beef
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
• 4 Cloves Garlic Minced
• 2 Jalapenos Chopped
• 16 Ounce Kidney Beans Drained and Rinsed
• 16 Ounce Pinto Beans Drained and Rinsed
• 28 Ounce Canned Tomatoes Diced or Crushed
• 1 Onion Diced
• 15 Ounce Ketchup
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 3 Tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 4 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 2 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Oregano

Instructions

• Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat 2 Tbsp oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
• Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, heat the remaining oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeños and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
• Add Tomatoes and Ketchup: Pour in the canned tomatoes and ketchup, stirring to combine.
• Add Beans and Beef: Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, and browned beef. Stir and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Have a busy day? Skip the browning process and throw all the ingredients into the crock-pot for 6 hours on high or 10 hours on low. When done, mash the ground beef with a whisk. Stir all together and serve!