Easy Homemade Chili

Easy Homemade Chili is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in. Packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients, this chili recipe showcases the richness of ground beef and beans, complemented by a blend of spices that bring warmth and depth. Whether you’re serving it on game day or enjoying a bowl alone, you’ll find that this easy homemade chili satisfies every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can get your chili cooking in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and slow simmering creates a deep, rich flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or tacos.
• Freezable: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later on.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Easy Homemade Chili, gather a few essential tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon or meat chopper
• Can opener
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for simmering your chili evenly over low heat.
• Wooden spoon or meat chopper: Perfect for breaking up meat and stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Can opener: A must-have for easily opening canned beans and tomatoes.

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced

Meat

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 pound ground beef sausage

Liquids

• 1/4 cup red apple vinegar
• 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, petite, undrained
• 4 cups tomato juice
• 1 cup ketchup

Beans

• 2 15 ounce cans pinto beans, undrained
• 1 16 ounce can kidney beans, undrained

Spices and Seasonings

• 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

For Serving (Optional)

• Cornmeal, to thicken if desired
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

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 the ground beef and sausage to the pot. Cook while breaking apart into small pieces with a meat chopper or wooden spoon until browned. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Spices

Pour in the red apple vinegar and cook for another minute. Then add the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, ketchup, pinto beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for at least one hour or up to three hours. Stir occasionally until thickened; remember that longer simmering results in better flavor! If you prefer it thicker, stir in some cornmeal towards the end.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle your Easy Homemade Chili into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Chili

Serving Easy Homemade Chili can elevate your meal experience. It pairs beautifully with various toppings and sides that add flavor and texture. Here are some delicious suggestions to enhance your chili experience.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A classic topping that melts beautifully over hot chili.
• Sour Cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chili.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh and crunchy, they provide a nice flavor boost.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the heat.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro offers a fresh herbal note.

Serving Styles

• Chili Bowls: Serve in deep bowls for a hearty meal experience.
• Chili Tacos: Use soft or hard taco shells filled with chili for a fun twist.
• Chili Over Rice: Spoon the chili over white or brown rice for extra sustenance.

How to Perfect Easy Homemade Chili

Perfecting your Easy Homemade Chili takes just a few tips. These suggestions will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

• Choose Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option that still packs flavor.
• Let It Simmer: The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes—aim for at least one hour.
• Adjust Spices: Customize the spice levels by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper according to your taste.
• Add Cornmeal for Thickness: If you prefer a thicker chili, gradually stir in cornmeal until desired consistency is achieved.
• Experiment with Beans: Try different beans, like black beans or chickpeas, for variety and unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Homemade Chili can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cornbread: A sweet, crumbly bread that complements the spiciness of chili beautifully.
2. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with herbs provides a mild base that soaks up the chili’s rich flavors.
3. Garden Salad: A fresh salad adds crunch and lightness to balance out the hearty chili.
4. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy chips is perfect for scooping up chili.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with grains and cheese make an excellent side dish, adding color and nutrition.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serve fluffy baked potatoes topped with chili for a comforting dish that’s filling and delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Easy Homemade Chili truly outstanding, avoid these common mistakes:

• Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the onions can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take the time to cook them until they are soft and translucent.
• Using low-quality meat: Using fatty or low-quality ground beef can ruin your chili’s texture. Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier and tastier outcome.
• Not seasoning enough: Chili needs bold flavors. If you don’t season adequately, your chili will taste flat. Use the spices suggested and adjust to your taste.
• Rushing the simmering time: A quick cook won’t allow the flavors to meld. Simmer your chili for at least an hour for maximum taste and thickness.
• Overlooking toppings: Not adding toppings can make the dish feel incomplete. Consider using shredded cheese or sour cream for added richness and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Easy Homemade Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Homemade Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Homemade Chili.

How do I make Easy Homemade Chili spicier?

You can add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños during cooking for extra heat.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey can be used as a lean alternative and will work well in this recipe.

What beans are best for Easy Homemade Chili?

Pinto beans and kidney beans are excellent choices, but feel free to mix in black beans for variety.

How long does it take to make Easy Homemade Chili?

The total time is about 140 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Chili is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences by adjusting spices or adding different beans. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, give it a try!

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Easy Homemade Chili

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Easy Homemade Chili is a hearty and comforting dish that brings warmth to any occasion, from cozy nights in to lively family gatherings. This easy chili recipe features lean ground beef, nutritious beans, and a blend of spices that create a delightful depth of flavor. With minimal preparation time and the ability to customize heat levels, this chili is perfect for everyone—whether served alone or as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it an ideal choice for meal prep. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of satisfying goodness with this simple homemade chili recipe.

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Ingredients

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• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup red apple vinegar
• 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups tomato juice
• 2 cans (15 ounces) 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

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess grease.
3. Stir in red apple vinegar and cook for another minute. Add diced tomatoes, tomato juice, beans, brown sugar, and spices. Mix well.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for at least one hour.
5. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 75mg