Homemade Chili (Hearty, Meaty & Packed with Flavor)

When the weather cools down, or you just need a cozy, filling meal, nothing beats a bowl of Homemade Chili. This classic recipe is loaded with ground beef, tender beans, and bold spices simmered together for rich, hearty flavor.

Whether you’re making it for game day, a family dinner, or meal prep, this chili is simple to make, full of depth, and absolutely delicious with a side of cornbread or crackers. Enjoy a big bowl of chili with cowboy mashed potato casserole or cheesy potato casserole, and don’t forget a side of warm cornbread to soak it all up.

Recipe Card

Servings: 6–8 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

• ½ cup beef broth or water

Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease.

2. Sauté the Veggies: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and sugar.

4. Simmer the Chili: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the beans and stir well. Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors develop.

5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning — add more salt, spice, or a splash of broth if needed.

6. Serve: Ladle hot chili into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings. Serve with cornbread, crackers, or over rice.

Tips for the Best Chili

• Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or espresso for a deeper flavor.

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Make it in a slow cooker — just brown the meat first, then cook on low for 6–8 hours.

• Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to blend.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chili is cozy, hearty, and full of bold flavor — the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out. It’s perfect for family dinners, cold nights, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

FAQ

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes — ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well in this chili.

Q: How do I make chili thicker? Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, mash some of the beans, or stir in a small spoonful of tomato paste.

Q: Do I need to drain the beans? Yes — drain and rinse canned beans to control salt and keep the chili from becoming too soupy.

Q: How spicy is this chili? It’s mild to medium, but you can adjust the heat with chili powder, jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce.

Q: Can I freeze chili? Absolutely. Homemade chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove.