What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chili recipe is packed with flavor and easy to make, perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd. You’ll love how simple it is to customize with your favorite toppings and ingredients.
- Rich and hearty: The blend of spices and tender meat creates a comforting bowl every time.
- Versatile and forgiving: Swap ingredients based on what you have—no stress, just delicious results.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether for game day or family dinner, everyone will ask for seconds.
Recipe
This hearty homemade chili recipe is perfect for a comforting meal. It’s packed with flavor and easy to make, using simple ingredients that come together for a delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with optional toppings as desired.
Notes:
- For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Equipment:
Large pot, wooden spoon, measuring spoons, can opener.
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
4-6 servings
Nutrition
This homemade chili recipe is packed with protein and fiber. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
What To Serve With It
When I’m serving homemade chili, I love pairing it with warm cornbread or fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious flavor. For toppings, I keep it simple with shredded cheese, sour cream, and a handful of chopped green onions for freshness. Don’t forget to add a side of tortilla chips or a crisp garden salad for a bit of crunch!
Side Dishes
Since chili tends to be the star of the meal, finding the right side dishes to complement it can really elevate the whole experience. I love pairing it with cornbread—it’s sweet, crumbly, and perfect for soaking up all that rich flavor. If you’re making spicy variations of chili, cool sides like a crisp green salad or avocado slices balance the heat beautifully. For vegetarian options, I often serve roasted sweet potatoes or a quinoa salad to keep the meal hearty. Don’t forget tortilla chips or rice—they’re simple but always a crowd-pleaser. The right sides make every bite even better!
Topping Ideas
After choosing the perfect sides to go with your chili, it’s time to think about the toppings that’ll take it to the next level. I love adding shredded cheese for a creamy melt, sour cream to cool down spicy variations, and sliced jalapeños if I’m craving extra heat. Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro add a pop of color and freshness. For vegetarian options, avocado slices or guacamole work beautifully. Don’t forget crunchy tortilla chips or a sprinkle of crushed cornbread for texture. These toppings let everyone customize their bowl, making each bite uniquely delicious!
