The Best Homemade Homemade Chili Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor and easy to whip up any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s sure to become a favorite.
- Customizable to your taste: Add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado to make it your own.
- Perfect for leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making meal prep a breeze.
- Comfort in a bowl: Warm, hearty, and filling, it’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly days.
Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of homemade chili to warm you up on a chilly day. This classic recipe is packed with savory flavors and is easy to make using simple ingredients. Perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings, this chili is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes:
- For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of water or let it simmer uncovered for a longer time.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
4-6 servings
Nutrition
Homemade chili is a nutritious dish packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Potassium | 800 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Calcium | 10% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade chili with warm, buttery cornbread—it’s the perfect side to soak up every last bit of flavor. A fresh, crunchy salad with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the chili, making the meal feel complete. Trust me, these pairings turn a simple bowl of chili into something really special.
Cornbread Side
Perfectly complementing a bowl of hearty chili, cornbread is a classic side that brings warmth and texture to the table. I love how its buttery texture crumbles just right, blending seamlessly with the chili’s rich flavors. The sweet flavor of cornbread adds a delightful contrast, balancing the chili’s spiciness. I often bake it fresh while the chili simmers, filling the kitchen with a cozy aroma. A square of cornbread, slightly toasted with a pat of butter, is my go-to. It’s simple yet satisfying, turning a humble meal into something special. Trust me, it’s a pairing you’ll want to make a tradition.
Fresh Salad Pairing
Though chili is a hearty, comforting dish on its own, adding a fresh salad can lighten up the meal and bring a burst of crispness to the table. I love tossing together healthy greens like romaine, spinach, or kale with crunchy veggies—think cucumbers, radishes, or bell peppers. For dressing options, keep it simple with a tangy vinaigrette or creamy ranch to balance the chili’s richness. A sprinkle of cheese or croutons adds fun texture. Trust me, the contrast of warm chili and cool salad is unbeatable. It’s my go-way to make the meal feel complete without weighing you down.
