The Best Homemade Chili Recipe With Beans
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor and easy to make. You’ll love how it warms you up on chilly days and fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have, saving you a trip to the store.
- Customizable heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste, from mild to extra fiery.
- Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making meal prep a breeze.
Recipe
Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of homemade chili. This classic recipe combines ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices to create a rich, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the kidney beans, pinto beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the water and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes:
- For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
6 servings
Nutrition
This homemade chili recipe is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious meal. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
What To Serve With It
When I make homemade chili, I love pairing it with cornbread ’cause its sweetness balances the savory flavors perfectly. Cheesy garlic biscuits are another favorite, adding a rich, garlicky twist that complements the dish so well. Both sides are easy to whip up and make the meal feel extra cozy.
Cornbread Side Dishes
Though chili’s bold flavors stand strong on their own, pairing it with cornbread takes the meal to a whole new level. I love how its slight sweetness balances the chili’s spice, creating a harmony that’s hard to beat. My go-to cornbread recipe is simple—just cornmeal, flour, milk, and a touch of honey. Sometimes, I’ll add jalapeños for a kick or cheddar for extra richness. Baking it in a cast iron skillet gives it a golden, crispy crust that’s irresistible. Tearing off a piece to dip into chili is my favorite way to enjoy this classic combo—it’s comfort food perfection.
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
Cornbread isn’t the only side that pairs perfectly with chili—cheesy garlic biscuits bring their own irresistible flair to the table. I love how their crispy edges and soft centers soak up the chili’s flavors, and the garlicky, cheesy topping adds a rich kick. Making them’s simple: mix flour, baking powder, and cheese, then stir in milk. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, bake until golden, and brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder. They’re ready in minutes, and leftovers (if there are any!) are great for snacks. Trust me, these biscuits will make your chili night even better!
