How to Make Homemade Chili: Delicious and Easy Recipe

Steam rises. The whole kitchen smells like fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, and that earthy, smoky hit of cumin. It only takes one spoonful of this how to make homemade chili moment to bring you back to snowy days and thick socks. This cozy dish is always a favorite when the weather turns chillyand it’s easy to see why.

This one leans classic: tender ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and red kidney beans simmered low and slow. Deep, hearty flavor with just a spark of heat. Like your mom’s beef chili, but streamlined for Tuesday night. You don’t need fancy tools or wild spicesjust pantry staples and one big pot. It’s an easy chili recipe that warms everyone from the inside out.

I started making this in 2011 when our youngest refused anything green. I served a bowl of this and she asked for secondsbeans and all. The secret? A spoonful of tomato paste stirred in before the broth. It builds depth fast. After a decade of blogging and testing, this one’s become a regular in our weekly meal planand for good reason.

Joe Rooney

How to Make Homemade Chili: Delicious and Easy Recipe

Discover how to make homemade chili with this easy chili recipe that is packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This beef chili is perfect for a comforting family meal and brings the warmth of classic chili with beans to your table. Whether you’re craving a spicy chili or a family friendly chili, this recipe delivers every time.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 365

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 2 small green peppers (about 2 cups diced)
• 1 small yellow onion (about 1 ½ cups diced)
• 2 cans diced tomatoes (15-ounce cans)
• 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 15 ounces water
• 2 cans kidney beans drained and rinsed (15-ounce cans)
• 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)

Method

 

1. In a large dutch oven, sauté diced peppers and onions until translucent and starting to caramelize.
2. Add seasonings (minus the baking soda) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Add ground meat and brown until just done, it’s okay if still slightly pink before adding other ingredients.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and tomato paste.
5. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook for about 15 minutes.
6. Add the drained kidney beans.
7. Stir in the baking soda, the sauce will bubble up; stir over medium heat until bubbles subside.
8. Remove from heat and serve.

Notes

• Keep stirring carefully to avoid burning the spices. Ground beef can be cooked ahead and frozen for convenience. Baking soda helps reduce the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother taste.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Chili

There’s something magical about a bowl of chili. It’s nostalgic, hearty, and perfect for cozy nights. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

• Simple and fuss-free: Uses common pantry staples and comes together in one pot. No fancy gadgets needed.
• Family-approved: This version is mild enough for most palates but easily customizable for those who love a kick.
• Quick-cook: Designed to be ready in just 35 minutes for those busy weeknights, though it’s even better with a longer simmer.
• Flexible: Easily adaptable with ground turkey or beef, varying spice levels, and your favorite additions.

Key Ingredients (And How They Work Together)

This homemade chili is built on a strong foundation of simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Let’s break them down:

• Ground meat: Choose lean ground beef for a classic, rich flavor, or ground turkey for a lighter, healthier option.
• Tomatoes: The trifecta of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste provides the chili’s essential tangy, robust base.
• Beans: Kidney beans are a classic choice, adding heartiness, fiber, and that signature chili texture.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a touch of chipotle powder are key for creating that comforting, smoky, and warm chili flavor.
• Baking soda (optional): A pinch of baking soda can help to neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a more balanced and mellow flavor profile.

How to Make Homemade Chili: Simple Steps

This easy chili recipe is designed for speed and flavor! Here’s how to do it quickly:

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook diced onions and bell peppers over medium heat until they are soft and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and chipotle powder (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to allow the flavors to bloom, being careful not to burn them.
3. Cook the meat: Add your ground beef or turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s completely browned throughout, draining any excess fat if necessary.
4. Build the base: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add beans: Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans.
6. Baking soda trick (optional): For a less acidic chili, stir in a small pinch of baking soda. Watch it fizz momentarily, then settle.
7. Simmer briefly: Let the chili simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a deeper, richer flavor, you can simmer it longer, up to 1-1.5 hours (as noted in the FAQs), stirring occasionally.

Swaps and Tweaks

Cooking is all about making it work for you and your preferences! Here are a few ways to personalize your homemade chili:

• Meat options: Easily use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner twist, or a blend of both. You could also try ground chicken or even a plant-based crumble.
• Beans: Not a fan of kidney beans? Swap them freely for black beans, pinto beans, or a combination. Ensure they are rinsed and drained.
• Heat level: For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder. You can also add finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when you sauté the aromatics. For milder, reduce or skip the cayenne altogether.
• Veggie boost: Enhance the nutritional value by tossing in diced carrots, zucchini, corn, or bell peppers during the sautéing stage. They add nutrients and texture without overwhelming the dish.

Serving and Storage Tips

This chili often tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent meal-prep option. Here’s how to serve and store it:

• Serving suggestions: Enjoy a warm bowl topped with your favorite garnishes such as a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, or fresh cilantro. Serve alongside warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or over a baked potato for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It thaws beautifully and can be stored for up to 3 months. Label with the date for best practice.

Expert Insight: Mastering the Basics of Homemade Chili

Understanding how to make homemade chili is about balancing spices, textures, and layering flavors. While this recipe offers a delicious quick-cook option, remember that traditionally, slow simmering allows ingredients to truly meld and deepen, resulting in a rich, complex dish that’s more than just heatit’s comfort and depth in every bite. Consider simmering for an extended period if you have the time, as the flavors will only improve.

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How to Make Homemade Chili with Confidence

Figuring out how to make homemade chili took me a good few rounds in the kitchen. Early attempts were either too bland or too spicy, but those lessons helped me strike the perfect balance for a family-friendly recipe. This recipe is the result of real experience and careful tweaks, ensuring you can trust it to deliver hearty, comforting flavor every time, whether you opt for the quick version or a longer, slow simmer.

FAQs ( How to Make Homemade Chili )

Conclusion

This how to make homemade chili recipe is designed to come together quickly in about 35-40 minutes, delivering a rich, hearty bowl that feels like a warm hug after a chilly day. You’ll love how well-cooked beef, smoky spices, and creamy beans meld into a classic yet approachable comfort food chili you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re short on time or opt for a longer simmer for deeper flavor.

Feel free to switch up the meat, add an extra kick with chipotle powder, or toss in diced veggies for a healthy twist. Leftovers freeze beautifully, making this an easy chili recipe to rely on during busy weeksa practical tip for keeping that comforting flavor ready when you need it most.

Give this recipe a try, and I’d love to see your tweaks or photos! Share your cozy kitchen moments with us. Did this family-friendly chili bring back a favorite memory? Pass the recipe forward to loved ones, and enjoy each hearty spoonful together.