Best Homemade Chili Recipe
Introduction
This best chili recipe combines hearty ground beef, beans, and rich tomato flavors with a perfect blend of spices. It’s an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a warm, filling dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (chicken broth or water can be used)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Fritos (for topping)
- Green onion (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened.
- Step 3: Stir in the pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup until everything is well combined.
- Step 4: Add the chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of beef broth. Stir thoroughly to blend the spices evenly.
- Step 5: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
- Step 6: Serve hot topped with shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, and chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your hearty chili!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use black beans instead of kidney or pinto beans for a different flavor profile.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with brown sugar or honey if preferred.
- Let the chili simmer longer for a richer, deeper flavor.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. You may want to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian version.
What can I use if I don’t have tomato paste?
You can substitute tomato paste with an extra 2-3 tablespoons of tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, but the chili may be slightly less thick and concentrated in flavor.
Print
Best Homemade Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Best Chili Recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring ground beef, beans, and a well-balanced blend of spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it simmers to perfection creating a thick, rich chili topped with cheddar cheese, Fritos, and green onions for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85/15)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup beef broth (can substitute chicken broth or water)
Spices
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fritos
- Green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the pot: Place a large stockpot over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the ingredients evenly.
- Sauté beef and aromatics: Add the ground beef, finely diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the hot pot. Cook and stir for 7-10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened.
- Add beans and tomato elements: Stir in the drained pinto beans and kidney beans, followed by the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Incorporate spices and broth: Add chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and ground pepper to the pot. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and stir everything well to distribute flavors evenly.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes so it thickens and the flavors meld.
- Serve with toppings: Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a milder chili, reduce chili powder or omit smoked paprika.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer longer until desired consistency is reached.
- Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness; honey or brown sugar can be used instead.
- This chili freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: beef chili, chili recipe, easy chili, hearty meal, stovetop chili
