Easy Homemade Chili is the perfect dish for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to game day gatherings. This hearty recipe combines lean ground beef with a blend of bold spices, creating a rich and flavorful chili that’s easy to make. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, you’ll enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness that satisfies everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With just a few easy steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a bold flavor profile that stands out.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own or serve it over rice or with cornbread for added variety.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more cayenne pepper if desired.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Easy Homemade Chili requires some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Gather your kitchen essentials before you start cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Meat chopper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Provides enough space for all ingredients to simmer evenly, enhancing flavor development.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking.
- Meat chopper: Helps break down meat into small pieces quickly for uniform cooking.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
For the Meat
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground beef sausage
For the Flavor
- 1/4 cup red apple vinegar
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, petite, undrained
- 4 cups tomato juice
- 1 cup ketchup
For the Beans
- 2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, undrained
- 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
For Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you want it spicier)
Optional Thickeners and Toppings
- Cornmeal (to thicken, if desired)
- Shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- Sour cream, optional
How to Make Easy Homemade Chili
Step 1: Sauté Onion
Add the olive oil to a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
Step 2: Brown Meat
Add ground beef and sausage to the pot. Cook while breaking apart into small pieces with a meat chopper or wooden spoon until browned. Remove excess grease from the pot.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add red apple vinegar to the pot and cook for an additional minute. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato juice, ketchup, pinto beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer uncovered for at least one hour up to three hours. Stir occasionally until thickened. If desired thickness is not achieved after simmering, gradually stir in cornmeal until desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream if desired. Enjoy your warm bowl of Easy Homemade Chili!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Chili
Serving Easy Homemade Chili is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family dinner, consider these creative serving suggestions to enhance your chili experience.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar for a rich flavor boost.
- Chopped Green Onions: Add a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor.
Serve with Crunchy Sides
- Cornbread: This classic side pairs well with chili’s bold flavors.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for dipping into your chili.
- Fritos: These corn snacks add a salty crunch that complements the dish.
Create a Chili Bar
- Toppings Variety: Offer options like jalapeños, avocado, or salsa for personalization.
- Different Beans: Provide black beans or chickpeas as alternatives for variety.
How to Perfect Easy Homemade Chili
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Easy Homemade Chili, follow these simple tips. They will help elevate your dish to the next level.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meats enhance overall taste.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Experiment with cayenne pepper or chili powder to tailor the heat to your liking.
- Simmer Longer for Flavor: Allowing the chili to simmer longer intensifies its flavors; aim for two to three hours if you can.
- Incorporate Different Beans: Mixing pinto and kidney beans adds variety in texture and taste.
- Add Sweetness Carefully: A touch of sugar balances acidity from tomatoes but use sparingly.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Chili
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Homemade Chili can create a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Here are some great options:
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory, cornbread is a traditional pairing that absorbs chili flavors well.
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad with greens and vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch to offset the rich chili.
- Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice serves as a neutral base that complements the chili nicely.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a flavorful bite and is great for scooping up leftover chili.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color, nutrition, and smokiness to your meal.
- Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with chili for a hearty twist on classic comfort food.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Homemade Chili can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can ruin the dish. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Bold flavors matter: Skipping spices or using low-quality spices can lead to bland chili. Always use fresh and high-quality spices to enhance the flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmer: Trying to shorten the cooking time by skipping the simmering step will result in a less developed flavor. Allow your chili to simmer for at least an hour to deepen its taste.
- Ingredient balance is key: Overloading on beans or tomatoes without balancing with meat can throw off the texture. Make sure to have a balanced ratio of ingredients for optimal consistency and flavor.
- Quality of meat matters: Using low-fat ground beef may lead to dry chili. Opt for lean cuts but ensure some fat is present for richness.
- Taste as you go: Neglecting to taste your chili before serving may result in an unseasoned dish. Always sample and adjust seasonings before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Easy Homemade Chili in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Homemade Chili
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storing.
- Easy Homemade Chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Homemade Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Homemade Chili.
How do I make my Easy Homemade Chili spicier?
You can add more cayenne pepper or even diced jalapeños while cooking. Adjusting these spices will increase the heat level of your chili.
Can I use turkey instead of beef in this chili recipe?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef and offers a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
What sides pair well with Easy Homemade Chili?
Serve your chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a complete meal.
How do I thicken my Easy Homemade Chili?
If you want it thicker, stir in some cornmeal towards the end of cooking, or let it simmer longer uncovered.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of meat-based options.
Final Thoughts
Easy Homemade Chili is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different beans or vegetables according to your taste. This dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Give it a try and enjoy your flavorful creation!
Easy Homemade Chili
Easy Homemade Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to spirited game day gatherings. This simple recipe features lean ground beef simmered with a rich blend of spices, making it both satisfying and delicious. Whether you cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this chili is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize the heat level and add your favorite toppings for a unique touch. Enjoy this comforting bowl of chili that’s not only easy to prepare but also perfect for meal prep!
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup red apple vinegar
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (petite, undrained)
- 4 cups tomato juice
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans (undrained)
- 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans (undrained)
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Cornmeal (to thicken, if desired)
- Shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- Sour cream, optional
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a meat chopper or wooden spoon. Drain excess grease.
- Pour in the red apple vinegar and cook for an additional minute. Then add the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, pinto beans, kidney beans, and spices.
- Bring to a boil while stirring, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer uncovered for at least one hour (up to three hours) until thickened to your liking. If needed, gradually stir in cornmeal to thicken further.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with your choice of shredded cheese or chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Customize the spice level by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding fresh jalapeños. Consider using ground turkey as a lighter alternative. Pair with cornbread or tortilla chips for an extra crunch.