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How to Make Homemade Chili
This old-fashioned chili recipe fills your home with warm, rich flavors. Simmer tender beef, hearty beans, and bold spices in one pot, then serve steaming bowls that warm chilly evenings.
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Try this classic chili recipe tonight and savor big, hearty flavors with every spoonful. Simmer bold spices, ground beef, and fresh veggies until they create a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. Top it with shredded cheese, crunchy crackers, and zesty jalapeños, then dig in for ultimate comfort. Serve it steaming hot and watch every spoon disappear fast.
Follow the easy guide below with step-by-step photos and clear directions. We include pro tips, helpful tricks, and answers to your most frequently asked questions. Enjoy simple instructions and kitchen confidence at every step.
This old-fashioned recipe gives you a hearty dinner in under an hour. First, we simmer bold spices, juicy ground beef, and fresh veggies until rich flavors pop. Then, serve this comforting dish at potlucks, family parties, or cozy nights at home, and watch everyone smile. Finally, top each bowl with melty cheese, crunchy crackers, and zesty jalapeños for a burst of flavor.
Chili Ingredients
What you'll need to make this chili recipe:
- 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
- 2 small green bell peppers, about 2 cups diced
- 1 small yellow onion, about 1½ cups diced
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 15 ounces of water
- 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 3 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking soda, optional to cut acidity
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your chili recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make this recipe uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Substitute Ground Beef: Use turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner chili.
Add Extra Beans: Toss in black beans or kidney beans for hearty texture and added fiber.
Swap the Broth: Replace beef broth with veggie broth for a rich, vegetarian-friendly chili.
Toss in Fresh Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for vibrant color and extra nutrition.
Stir in Smoky Flavors: Mix in chipotle peppers or smoked paprika to create a bold twist.
How to Make Chili
Follow our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and tips below to make this delicious, old-fashioned chili with beans recipe. Stir rich flavors, hearty ground beef, and fresh veggies until they create a comforting meal. Let’s get started right now!
FIRST STEP: In a large dutch oven or large pot, saute the diced bell pepper and onions in olive oil until they’re translucent and start to caramelize.
SECOND STEP: Add in your seasoning, minus the baking soda. Cook for one to two minutes while stirring continuously.
Pro Tip
You don’t want anything to burn, so make sure you keep stirring!
THIRD STEP: Add your ground meat and brown until it’s just done. It’s okay if it still has some pink in it before you add the rest of your ingredients because you’re going to continue cooking it.
FOURTH STEP: Pour in your tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water.
FIFTH STEP: Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook for about 15 minutes. Add the drained beans.
SIXTH STEP: Stir in the baking soda, if desired. This will cause the sauce to start to bubble up. Keep stirring over medium-high heat until the bubbles have gone away, then reduce the heat.
Pro Tip
Adding baking soda helps cut the acidity in the tomatoes.
SEVENTH STEP: Remove from heat and you’re ready to serve. You can use salt and black pepper to taste if you’d like.
How To Serve Homemade Chili
You can serve this savory chili in so many exciting ways. Add simple sides, sweet treats, or fresh salads.
- For cozy family dinners: For cozy family dinners, dish up steaming bowls of chili with cheesy garlic bread. This hearty meal warms cool fall nights. Kids love its mild spice, and everyone enjoys its rich taste.
- For game day parties: For game day parties, pair with chips and dip, and a cheese ball. Serve plenty of toppings and let guests build custom bowls. Everyone smiles as these hearty flavors keep them coming back for more.
- For special holidays: For special holidays, treats your friends and family by making a classic Jello poke cake for dessert!
Why You'll Love This Easy Chili Recipe
This homemade chili recipe is more than just a bowl—it’s a beloved favorite for several delightful reasons:
- A Symphony of Flavors: This recipe blends hearty ground beef, beans, and spices into a warm, cozy masterpiece. The gentle heat and savory depth surprise your taste buds.
- Evokes Warm Memories: Each spoonful reminds you of family gatherings and laughter-filled dinners. This chili comforts you on chilly evenings and slow weekends. It brings happy traditions and cozy joy with every bite.
- More Than Just Dinner:
This chili delights both kids and grown-ups. The thick texture and hearty taste fit every season and occasion. Serve it and watch everyone smile, no matter the time of year.
Our flavorful recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a spoonful of comfort that warms your heart.
Recipe FAQ
What kind of pot works best for making chili?
Use a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even cooking and rich flavor development. A Dutch oven is great if you have one.
What gives chili its classic and comforting flavor?
Time-honored ingredients, slow simmering, and simple seasonings form the warm, rich flavor loved in our chili recipe.
How thick should my chili be before serving?
Your chili should feel thick and robust, coating each spoonful with rich, comforting goodness.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best temperature to serve chili?
Serve chili hot, just off the stove, so flavors shine and diners savor every spoonful.
Should I garnish this chili before serving?
Yes, you can if you'd like. Sprinkle shredded cheese or diced jalapeños on top, adding bright flavors and texture to your bowl.
How much chili should I serve per person?
Scoop about one to two cups per person, adjusting portions as needed.
How can I serve chili at a casual gathering?
Offer a simple station of bowls and toppings, letting everyone customize their meal.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to store your chili. From making it ahead to reheating, we have you covered. Keep reading to learn how to store and enjoy delicious leftovers anytime.
Can I prepare chili ahead of time?
Yes, cook your chili one day before, then store it covered in the fridge to allow flavors to deepen.
What’s the best way to store leftover chili?
Spoon cooled chili into an airtight container, then keep it chilled in the fridge for up to three days.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers
Yes, cool your chili completely, then freeze it in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to three months.
How should I reheat my chili when ready to serve?
Warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring often, until hot and fragrant.
Chili
This old-fashioned chili recipe fills your home with warm, rich flavors. Simmer tender beef, hearty beans, and bold spices in one pot, then serve steaming bowls that warm chilly evenings.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 small green peppers (about 2 cups diced)
- 1 small yellow onion (about 1.5 cups diced)
- 2 15 oz cans Hunts Diced Tomatoes
- 15 oz can Hunts Tomato Sauce
- 6 oz can Hunts Tomato Paste
- 15 oz water
- 2 15 oz cans kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 3 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- ½ tsp cayenne
- ½ tbsp salt
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp baking soda
DIRECTIONS
- In a large dutch oven, saute diced peppers and onions until translucent and they start to caramelize.
- Add seasonings (minus the baking soda) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Make sure they don’t burn.
- Add ground meat and brown until just done. It’s okay if it still has some pink in it before you add the rest of the ingredients.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and tomato paste.
- Bring to a simmer over medium low heat and cook for about 15 minutes. Then add the drained beans.
- Stir in the baking soda. The sauce will start to bubble up. Stir over medium heat until the bubbles have gone away.
- Remove from heat and serve.
WATCH THIS RECIPE VIDEO
Notes
- You don’t want anything to burn, so make sure you keep stirring!
- Ground beef can be made ahead of time in large batches and frozen. You can use pre-cooked ground beef in this recipe.
- Adding baking soda helps cut the acidity in the tomatoes.
Nutrition
Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 533mg | Potassium: 614mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 767IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 4mg
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Comments
Ann says
My new favorite go-to chili recipe! So quick, easy, and DELICIOUS! (My husband had 3 helpings.) I also love that it’s all in one pot, so minimum clean up.
Barbara says
We have used this recipe several times and it is very good. Loads of flavor!!
Sandy says
This chili is easy and my family loves it and always wants me to make it again.
Kj says
Delicious! Love that the spices are cooked right into meat mixture.
I put the beans into the slow cooker and then added meat mixture to them and slow cooked all the whole day.
Terry says
This is a recipe I make when I want a batch of chili. Very good! I use a 1,5 tbl cumin instead of the 3 tbl. called for.
Amy T says
We're so glad you liked it! The best thing about chili is how easy it is to customize.
Anonymous says
Tried this about a week ago & it’s the best chili I’ve ever had. Used a seasoning packet in mine but other than that followed this recipe. About to make again tonight!
Susan says
Very good chili! I always add a mild sausage to chili and lasagna recipes. Everyone loved the chili. Thank you for sharing.
Anonymous says
Sooooo good!!
Dani says
I think it’s the best I’ve ever made: while I will need to not use the cayenne at all next time (I cut it in half); it was to spicy for my husband, he still said he thought it was the best he had ever had . (I also left out the onions as I don’t like onions)
Marla says
Absolutely perfect! This is going to be my new go-to chili.
Jean says
This chili is great although I maid some changes. I used 1/2 of the meat and then used lentils. Lentils are a economical way to get many healthy benefits like iron
Stacey says
My family said this was the best Chili they have ever had!! Truly enjoyed it!!
Carol & Heather says
Absolutely love this recipe! My daughter and I made it and it was delicious!
Roae says
Made this for a community gathering called Stone Soup & it was a hit.
Mike says
Made this tonight in the crockpot and everyone loved it. Served it with garlic bread and lemonade, highly recommend!