As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to turn, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming hot bowl of homemade chili. This beloved dish has the power to instantly transport you to cozy nights by the fireplace, football game tailgates, and family gatherings filled with laughter and good food.
While chili recipes can vary greatly from region to region, the best homemade versions share a few key elements – rich, complex spices, tender meat or beans, and a thick, satisfying texture that sticks to your ribs. This recipe checks all those boxes and more, delivering a chili that is sure to become a new family favorite.
1. Homemade Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef/turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef/chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let the chili simmer, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste.
Serve the homemade chili hot, topped with desired toppings such as shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, chopped cilantro, etc.
This chili can be made ahead of time and reheats well. It also freezes beautifully for easy meals later on. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful chili on its own or serve it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over baked potatoes or rice.
