The Best Homemade Chili Recipe Chili
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chili recipe is perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd, and it’s so easy to whip up. First, it’s packed with flavor thanks to a mix of spices, beans, and tender ground beef. Second, it’s super customizable—add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños. Finally, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal!
Recipe
Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cold days or casual gatherings. This homemade chili recipe combines ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices for a rich, comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and kidney beans. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes:
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Letting the chili sit for a few hours enhances the flavors.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 4-6
Nutrition
This homemade chili recipe provides a hearty and flavorful dish packed with nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 25g
What To Serve With It
When I serve homemade chili, I love pairing it with cornbread or cheesy garlic bread because they’re perfect for soaking up that rich, spicy flavor. Warm cornbread, whether classic or with jalapeños, adds a sweet, crumbly contrast to the meal. Cheesy garlic bread, with its golden, melty top, brings a savory touch that’s hard to resist.
Cornbread Options
There’s something about fresh, crumbly cornbread that feels like a warm hug alongside a bowl of chili. I love mine slightly sweet, with a golden crust that cracks when you break it open. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding jalapeños or cheddar for a spicy kick. For a lighter option, swap buttermilk for yogurt—it keeps the bread moist without being too heavy. And don’t forget the honey butter! A drizzle of warm honey over a hot slice takes it to the next level. Trust me, once you pair chili with homemade cornbread, you’ll never go back.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
If you thought cornbread was the only side worth dunking into chili, let me introduce you to cheesy garlic bread—it’s a game-changer. Imagine warm, crusty bread slathered with garlicky butter, topped with melty cheese, perfectly toasted. It’s the ultimate companion for chili, adding a rich, savory bite that complements the hearty flavors. I love making mine with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for gooeyness, then broiling it until golden. Dip it into chili, and it’s pure comfort food heaven. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for just cornbread. Simple, satisfying, and totally addictive.
