Easy Chili Recipe- The Best Homemade Chili (2024) (2024)

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Chili is a beloved dish in the winter months, and this easy homemade chili is a crowd-pleaser.

And if you’ve been searching for a good “standard” chili that everyone will like, look no further! This is it- and it’s easy!

My mom cut this easy chili recipe out of a newspaper in the early ’90s, and it’s been our ‘family chili’ recipe ever since.

From Super Bowl parties to chili cook-offs, chili is woven into the fabric of American winter culture. And for good reason, it’s awesome, and there are so many variations.

It’s perfect for any occasion, from game day gatherings to cozy nights at home. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!

Table of Contents

Easy Chili Recipe

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There might be a few ingredients you are’t used to seeing in chili, like cinnamon and chocolate chips (a Cincinnati chili influence), but trust me – they work!

This recipe is very similar to myCrockpot Chili Recipe, but there are minor differences so this dish works on the stovetop.

This means it can be ready to eat sooner but with more stirring and standing at the stove.

And like I said – this is easy.

Chopping the onions and garlic is probably the hardest part.

Many recipes I checked out have garlic powder to skip some cutting meal prep. Garlic can be the most annoying, but fresh garlic has a better flavor than garlic powder!

One of the most important steps is to cook the onions as the ground beef cooks together to put that beef grease to good use.

After the onions are soft and the ground beef is cooked, add the garlic and cook for another couple of minutes.

Drain the ground beef, and then add everything else except for the kidney beans and simmer for an hour or so. And yeah – even add those chocolate chips and cinnamon (you will thank me).

Then add the kidney beans and cook for another half hour. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, serve cornbread ont he side, add in tortilla chips for dunking, or whatever you’d like!

Homemade Chili Recipe

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Author: Brittany Kline

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. ground beef or turkey
  • 1 can of red kidney beans rinsed (15 oz)
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 1 can of water 28 oz
  • 1 large onion minced
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced or pressed
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional - depends on how spicy you want it
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tbsp chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Over medium heat, cook beef in a large pan with the minced onion until browned. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

  • Drain the meat.

  • In a large sauce pan or stock pot over medium heat, add meat (with the onions and garlic) and mix with all other remaining ingredients except the kidney beans.

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until you've reached the desired thickness (or if using a slow cooker, cook on high for 4 hours).

  • Add kidney beans and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.

  • Top with shredded cheese & sour cream and serve with a side of cornbread.

Recipe Substitutions

Flexibility is the spice of life – and of good chili! The beauty of this recipe is in its adaptability.

The best chili recipes are the ones that suit your taste buds, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

From swapping the meats to trying new toppings, here are some recipe substitutions you can make:

The Meat

Ground beef is the classic chili meat, but it does tend to be greasy and heavy- plus, not everyone eats meat!

If you’re not a fan of ground beef or are looking for a healthier ground meat alternative, ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes that still maintain their heartiness.

For a vegetarian twist, try using tofu, Beyond Meat, and other meat alternatives to give the dish a heartiness or good texture like traditional chili.

The Sauce

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I love making easy swaps that can make a dish quicker and more flavorful- and tomato sauce is a thing of beauty to give chili that rich tomato flavor!

Instead of just canned crushed or diced tomatoes, you can swap them for your favorite tomato sauce. or any leftover homemade sauce you have in the fridge or freezer.

If you pick a tomato sauce that’s already seasoned, you can reduce the amount of food you put in the slow cooker unless you want a stronger taste in your chili.

I do recommend having at least 20 oz of sauce- that way you have a thick chili without any liquid that makes it a tiny bit soupy.

Also, to make sure your sauce has that chili taste to it, make sure you don’t skip the chili powder or Worcestershire sauce.

The other big part of the sauce is water- I fill up the empty tomato can when I’m done, so I add about 28 oz.

If you want to add more flavor or more protein you can add beef broth. If you add beef broth, the dish may be a bit saltier, so be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as you like.

The Beans

When it comes to beans, the world is your oyster!

While kidney beans (cantelinni beans) and red kidney beans are traditional, feel free to mix it up with black beans, pinto beans, or even a combination of your favorites for a multi-textured bite.

I tend to mix white and red kidney beans- depending on what’s on sale or already in the cupboard!

The Toppings

Toppings too, can be customized to taste and dietary preferences.

While cheese is a classic, consider avocado slices for a touch of creaminess or a dollop of yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream.

Fresh cilantro, chopped onions, or sliced jalapeños can add color and a kick of freshness to each bowl.

And for those that like more kick? Hot sauce drizzled on the top or a little dash of extra chili powder, with some bread to dip, is perfect for game day.

FAQs

Is this chili freezer-friendly?

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It’s also easy to cook your chili ahead of time and freeze it for meal prep. Simply let it cool completely before transferring to a bag and freezing.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze individual portions for easy meal prep.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this chili, simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based ground meat alternative or add extra beans and vegetables.

You might also need to increase the spices slightly to compensate for the lack of meat flavor.

How can I make this chili spicier?

If you prefer your chili with a bit more heat, you can add extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the recipe.

I usually add a little chili powder and seasonings to the ground beef after I’ve drained the grease, and I definitely start small! You can always add more but I can’t take back too much spice.

For jalapenos, start small and add some of the canned juice for flavor without much spice.

You can also serve the chili with hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy.

Can I make this chili thicker?

For a thicker beef chili, you can add tomato paste and reduce how much water you add when the ground beef and onions are done.

I usually dump the can of crushed or diced tomatoes in and then fill that can with water- so that’s about 28 oz.

That can seem like a lot if it doesn’t evaporate as the chili cooks, so the tomato paste thickens things up without losing the flavor.

What are some toppings that go well with this chili?

Some popular toppings to serve with this chili include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, and crumbled cornbread.

If you think things need more kick, feel free to sprinkle more chili powder on top to mix in for more spice.

Kelan is also a chip fan, so you can try some corn chips for dipping or crush up sour cream and onion potato chips to give a little crunch with a seasoning that goes great with chili.

Can this recipe be used for crock pot chili?

Yes, this chili recipe can also be easily adapted for the crockpot.

Simply brown the meat and saute the onion on the stove, then add them both to the slow cooker when they’re done.

Add the canned crushed or diced tomatoes, beans, water, and seasonings/condiments on top.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

You can also prep the ingredients ahead of time and freeze them in a freezer bag to make it even easier to throw together in the crockpot on a busy day.

Final Thoughts

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There you have it, a simple yet delicious homemade chili recipe that carries the warmth of home and the richness of tradition.

This recipe, interwoven with memories and tailored with unique ingredients like cinnamon and chocolate chips, proves that comfort food can also be a canvas for creativity and new flavors.

Whether it’s gathering around the table for a family meal or enjoying a bowl while cheering on your favorite team, this chili is more than just a dish- it’s an experience.

I hope you enjoy making it as much as we do, finding both the process and the final dish a source of joy and warmth in the cold winter months.

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Easy Chili Recipe- The Best Homemade Chili (2024) (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What makes chili taste better? ›

"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said. "The fresh burst of flavor will brighten and elevate the chili while also adding great texture and crunch."

What are the best beans to use for homemade chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato sauce is not a strong a taste as tomato paste. Also, sauce will increase the liquid content of your chili ever so slightly. Tomato paste has a more full, rich, tomato taste and smell. Using either one is appropriate, but you will need to tweak your seasonings to suit your personal tastes, anyway.

What liquid to add to chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

Why add vinegar to chilli? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

What is chili magic? ›

Where there's chipotle smoke, there's chili fire. Bush's® Chili Magic® Campfire Style brings tender pintos together with smoky chipotle and green bell peppers for quick, unforgettable chili any night of the week.​

How to make chili taste homemade? ›

Make your own spice blend

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Does Wendy's put sugar in their chili? ›

Chili Concentrate: Chili Sauce (Water, Tomato Juice, Tomatoes, Calcium Chloride, Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Corn Starch, Dried Chilies, Spices, Flavor Enhancer [Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Modified Corn Starch], Citric Acid, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Xanthan gum), Beans (Pink Beans, Red ...

Which onion is best for chili? ›

Sweet onions are great for caramelizing due to their higher sugar content. You can cook them into your chili, serve them raw over top, or even elevate your chili with a sophisticated caramelized onion topping! Some of my favorite sweet onions are Walla, Walla, Maui, and Vidalia Onions.

Do you drain chili beans when making chili? ›

Too much liquid will thin your chili

The same holds true for using canned beans in chili. According to Taste of Home, you should typically drain canned beans before adding them to your pot of chili. All that liquid can seriously water the chili down, diluting all its flavors.

Does sugar make chili taste better? ›

Now for the piece de resistance: 1-2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar. The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy.

How do you make chili taste more meaty? ›

Ground Beef: Provides the hearty meaty base for the chili. Opt for 85% lean; the fat enriches the meat, enhancing the dish's overall flavor and texture. And don't stress about the fat—post-cooking, it's easy to skim off any excess. Baking Soda: Helps tenderize the beef by locking in moisture, making it more succulent.

Is chili better the longer it cooks? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

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