Easy Homemade Chili Recipe
Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that can be whipped up in no time? This Easy Homemade Chili Recipe is just the thing. With just a few ingredients and a simple process, you can have a warm, flavorful bowl of chili on the table in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or need a quick dinner after a long day, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Let’s dive in and see how simple it is to make this delicious chili!
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, I MAY EARN A COMMISSION. PLEASE SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR DETAILS. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 (40.5 oz) cans kidney beans
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Homemade Chili:
- Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
Begin by browning the ground beef and onion in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until the onion becomes tender, and the beef is fully browned. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking. Once the meat is done, drain any excess grease. - Add the Remaining Ingredients
After the beef and onion are cooked, add in the kidney beans, tomato sauce, and all the spices. Stir everything together to ensure that the flavors are well-combined. - Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Bring the chili mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld together, creating a rich and savory chili. - Adjust the Spice Level
For those who prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more cayenne pepper. If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce or omit the cayenne entirely. The great thing about this Easy Homemade Chili Recipe is that it’s customizable to your heat tolerance.
Alternate Add-ins:
This chili is delicious as is, but you can also add a variety of other ingredients to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Bell peppers: Dice some red, green, or yellow peppers and add them in when you’re cooking the onions for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- Corn: Add a can of drained corn for some extra texture and a touch of sweetness.
- Diced tomatoes: Add a can of diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
- Black beans: Swap or combine with kidney beans for a different flavor profile.
- Green chiles: For a southwestern twist, add in some green chiles.
While ground beef is a classic choice, you can easily switch things up depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some alternative meats that work well in this Easy Homemade Chili Recipe:
- Ground turkey: A leaner option that still provides great flavor.
- Ground chicken: Another lighter alternative.
- Ground pork: Adds a richer flavor to the chili.
- Chorizo: For a spicy kick, consider using ground chorizo.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives for a meatless chili.
Storage and Freezing Instructions:
One of the best things about this Easy Homemade Chili Recipe is how well it stores and freezes. If you end up with leftovers, here’s what to do:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chili will last up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Chili freezes beautifully! Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How To Serve This Easy Homemade Chili Recipe:
There are so many delicious ways to serve this chili. One of my favorites is to pour the chili over a bed of crispy tortilla chips, then top it off with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions—yum! It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Other great options for serving this Easy Homemade Chili Recipe include:
- Homemade cornbread: The sweet, buttery cornbread pairs perfectly with the rich, savory chili.
- Rice: Serve the chili over white or brown rice for a heartier meal.
- Baked potatoes: Spoon chili over a baked potato for a comforting, filling dish.
- Tortilla chips: Scoop up the chili with some crunchy tortilla chips for a fun twist!
Pasta With Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes
APPAREL FOR THE FOODIES & GRILLERS!!
Easy Homemade Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 40.5 oz cans kidney beans
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until the onion becomes tender, and the beef is fully browned. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking. Once the meat is done, drain any excess grease.
- Add in the kidney beans, tomato sauce, and all the spices. Stir everything together to ensure that the flavors are well-combined.
- Bring the chili to a boil over medium heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes.