This hearty homemade chili is a delicious blend of beans, tomatoes, and spices that warms you right up! It’s the perfect comfort food for cozy nights in.
I love how easy it is to customize—add more beans or spice it up with jalapeños! Just toss everything in one pot and let it simmer. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your chili. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian version, substitute with lentils or mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Kidney Beans: Kidney beans add great texture and protein. If you’re not a fan, you can use black beans or pinto beans instead. Always rinse canned beans to reduce sodium.
Spices: Chili powder is key for flavor, but if you’re out, a mix of paprika and cayenne can work in a pinch. For a different flavor profile, try smoked paprika or add cumin and coriander for warmth.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide moisture and flavor. Feel free to swap in fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky kick or crushed tomatoes for a thicker chili.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Onions and Garlic Without Burning?
Getting the onions and garlic right is vital for a flavorful chili. Here’s how:
- Start with a medium heat and a preheated pot to avoid sticking.
- Add oil and let it heat before adding onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic last for only 1 minute—garlic cooks faster and burns easily!
By controlling the heat, you’ll bring out the natural sweetness in your onions and the fragrant notes of garlic without any burnt bits.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Chili Consistency?
The consistency of chili can be adjusted during cooking. If your chili is too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water gradually. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a while to let the liquid evaporate and thicken.
Always taste and adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking for the best results!
Homemade Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This homemade chili will take about 15 minutes to prep and an additional 30 to 60 minutes to cook, depending on how long you let it simmer. Total time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes for delicious chili perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté it until it softens, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This will give your chili a wonderful base flavor!
2. Add the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen starts smelling amazing!
3. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off to keep your chili from being too greasy.
4. Spice It Up:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together so the beef and onions are well-coated in those delicious spices!
5. Add the Liquid Ingredients:
Now it’s time to pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, and the beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients together.
6. Let It Simmer:
Bring the chili to a nice simmer. Once it’s bubbling gently, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. Stir it occasionally during this time. If you have a bit longer, letting it simmer for up to an hour deepens all the flavors beautifully!
7. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder according to your preferences.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your homemade chili hot, with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions if you’d like. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or crusty rolls for a cozy meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, lean alternative to ground beef. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as turkey can cook faster and might need a bit less time to brown.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with a mix of lentils, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers. You can also add extra beans for a protein boost!
How Long Can Leftover Chili Be Stored?
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
Definitely! If you love heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper, or toss in some chopped jalapeños or hotter peppers when you sauté the onions. You can also top it with hot sauce before serving for an extra kick!