Best Ever Homemade Chili Recipe

Introduction

Warm up your kitchen with this Best Ever Homemade Chili, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with tender ground meat, beans, and a blend of spices, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 1 large yellow or white onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) chopped tomatoes
• 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 medium green chili or 1 can diced green chilies
• 4 tablespoons chili seasoning (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, black pepper)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dice the onion, garlic, fresh tomatoes, and green chili if using fresh.
2. Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and green chili; sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chili seasoning and cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ flavors.
5. Step 5: Add the canned chopped tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
6. Step 6: Cover the pot and simmer the chili for 20 minutes to develop the flavors.
7. Step 7: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney and black beans. Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken.
8. Step 8: Remove the pot from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with extra beans or textured vegetable protein.
• Add a splash of beer or coffee during simmering to deepen the chili’s flavor.
• Adjust the heat by adding more cayenne or using a hotter chili pepper.
• Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added richness.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have chili seasoning?

You can make your own by mixing ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper according to your taste preferences.

Best Ever Homemade Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

This Best Ever Homemade Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Made with ground beef or turkey, beans, fresh and canned tomatoes, and a robust blend of chili seasonings, it simmers slowly to develop rich, deep flavors. The chili is ideal for family dinners, game days, or meal prepping, offering a comforting and protein-packed meal that warms you from the inside out.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 1 large yellow or white onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium green chili or 1 can diced green chilies

Canned Goods

• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) chopped tomatoes

Other Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 tablespoons chili seasoning (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, black pepper)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion, garlic, fresh tomatoes, and green chili if using fresh to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and green chili. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant, which helps release their flavors into the oil.
3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground meat to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks for about 5 minutes. This step develops a rich base flavor for the chili.
4. Add Spices: Stir in the chili seasoning mix and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices, enhancing their aroma and taste.
5. Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Mix in the canned chopped tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, and tomato paste thoroughly with the meat and spices.
6. Simmer Covered: Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
7. Add Beans and Simmer Uncovered: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney and black beans. Then, continue to simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows flavors to settle and the chili to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
• Adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or green chilies.
• For a thicker chili, increase the simmering time uncovered.
• Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Keywords: chili, homemade chili, ground beef chili, ground turkey chili, kidney beans, black beans, tomato chili, comfort food, hearty chili