Almost everyone has a go-to chili recipe. We have a few different homemade chili recipes on our website, like our Mom’s Slow Cooker Chili, Southwest Ground Turkey Chili or even Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili!
But of all the chili recipes I’ve tried, this recipe is my absolute favorite!
How to Make the Best Homemade Chili:
You will need a large pot to make this homemade chili. I recommend using at least a 5 quart stock pot, like this one.
Cook ground beef, onion, jalapeño and green pepper in a large pot over medium-high heat until beef is cooked. Drain excess grease.
If you are worried about the jalapeño, you can leave it out. However, by cutting the seeds out of the jalapeño you will lose a lot of the heat.
Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. You don’t need to drain these, you’ll want the liquid from the can of tomatoes.
Add the spices. I use cumin, chili powder, slat, cayenne pepper and paprika. Mix everything until well combined and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, add black beans and kidney beans then cover and let simmer for 1 hour.
Serve hot and top with shredded cheddar cheese, additional jalapeño (if desired) and sour cream.
Serve this chili up with our Famous Corn Bread Muffins, and you’ve got one delicious meal!
“I have so much time!” -No mom ever
Get My Meal Plans NOW!What toppings do you put on chili?
Toppings are totally a personal preference. Like I mentioned above, we added cheese, sour cream and a little jalapeño, but here are some other options:
- Sliced avocado
- Frito corn chips
- Tortilla chips
- Sliced olives
- Corn bread crumbles
- Chopped tomatoes
- Salsa
Is chili a healthy dish?
Chili is generally considered a healthy dish due to its nutritious components. Firstly, it often includes lean beef or alternative proteins like ground chicken or turkey. By opting for lean cuts of meat and draining any excess fat, you can reduce the overall saturated fat content. Additionally, chili is packed with tomatoes, beans, and vegetables, providing a significant amount of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. The fiber in chili can aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.
To make chili even healthier, it is advisable to choose low sodium or low sugar products. This helps to reduce the overall salt and sugar content in the recipe, which can be beneficial for those watching their intake of these substances.
In summary, chili can be a healthy dish when prepared with lean proteins, loaded with fiber-rich ingredients like tomatoes and beans, and supplemented with low sodium or low sugar products to reduce salt and sugar intake.
What is the serving size for the chili?
The serving size for the chili is 1 1/2 cups.
What are some variations or substitutions you can make in the recipe?
There are several variations and substitutions that you can make in this recipe to suit your preferences. Firstly, if you prefer a spicier chili, you can increase the spice level by keeping the seeds in your jalapenos or adding some hot sauce or chili flakes.
When it comes to the meat, you have the option to use any ground meat you prefer, whether it’s chicken, turkey, or beef. If your meat has a high fat content, it’s recommended to drain it before simmering the chili.
For a different flavor profile, you can choose to add a bit of beer to the chili. This will add depth to the overall taste. If you prefer not to use beer, you can simply use extra broth as a substitution.
Furthermore, you have the freedom to swap out the spices used in the recipe according to your personal preferences. If you’d like to make a tex-mex inspired chili, you can easily incorporate a packet of taco seasoning to give it that distinct flavor.
Feel free to experiment and make adjustments to the recipe to create a chili that suits your taste preferences.
Alternatives to Classic Beef or Chicken Chili
Explore exciting alternatives to classic beef or chicken chili with these unique chili recipes:
- Mexican Chorizo and Turkey Chili: Embrace a blend of flavors with this recipe featuring turkey and Mexican chorizo, a zesty sausage made from ground pork and chile peppers.
- Red Beef Chili: Indulge in a spicy sensation with this chili variation that combines rich and spicy elements, including sauteed onions and chiles in a mix of beer and chocolate, finished off with a touch of maple syrup and toasted cumin crema.
- Guy’s Texas Chili: For bold and robust flavors, try this Texas chili infused with a variety of chile peppers and a bottle of Mexican beer.
- Cincinnati Chili: Cincinnati is renowned for its unique chili style, which is unlike any other. The city’s iconic Cincinnati Chili is traditionally served over a bed of spaghetti, creating a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Invented by Greek restaurateurs in the 1920s, this delectable dish is seasoned with a blend of spices reminiscent of those found in moussaka. The origins of serving chili over pasta remain a mystery, but ordering it in Cincinnati is a well-known ritual. Diners can choose from various ways to enjoy this distinctive chili, including ‘two-way’ (chili and spaghetti), ‘three-way’ (plus cheese), ‘four-way’ (plus chopped onion), or ‘five-way’ (plus beans). This unique chili style and its traditional serving method have become an integral part of Cincinnati’s culinary identity.
- Chili con Carne: Enjoy a hearty chili made from ground beef and bacon, enhanced with the depth of flavor from amber beer.
These alternative chili recipes offer a range of unique ingredients and flavors to tantalize your taste buds beyond the realm of traditional beef or chicken chili.
Can you freeze chili?
Absolutely! Freezing chili is a great idea. It freezes and reheats wonderfully, so you can enjoy it later without any loss of flavor or texture. You can freeze it in individual portion sizes for convenient lunches, or in freezer bags for a quick and easy weeknight meal. To defrost, simply transfer it from the freezer to the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy it, heat it up in a saucepan or microwave, and your delicious chili will be ready to serve!
How do you thicken chili without adding cornstarch or flour?
To naturally thicken chili without relying on cornstarch or flour, simmering it uncovered is the best method. By allowing the chili to cook slowly without a lid, the liquid will gradually evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency. This process intensifies the flavors as well. However, if time is a constraint, there are a couple of alternatives you can consider. Adding a small amount of cornmeal to the chili or creating a slurry using cornstarch or flour and incorporating it into the simmering pot can also help thicken the chili. These options are especially useful when you need to expedite the thickening process. However, if you can spare a few extra minutes, it is recommended to let the chili simmer uncovered, as this provides the most authentic thickening and flavor-enhancing outcome.
The best homemade soup recipes:
- Slow Cooker 8-Can Taco Soup
- Hamburger Vegetable Soup
- Slow Cooker Beef Minestrone Soup
- Slow Cooker Tuscan Soup
- Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup
- Instant Pot Ground Turkey and Pumpkin Chili
- Mom’s Crockpot Chili
The Best Homemade Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced
- 10 ounces Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chiles 1 can
- 16 ounces tomato sauce 2 (8 ounce cans)
- 2 Tablespoons cumin
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 14 ounces kidney beans 1 can, rinsed and drained
- 14 ounces black beans 1 can, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup water
- shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- avocado for topping
- sour cream for topping
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, onion, jalapeño and green pepper in a large pot over medium-high heat until beef is cooked.
- Drain excess grease.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, cayenne pepper and paprika.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, add beans and water, then cover and let simmer for 1 hour.
- Serve hot and top with shredded cheddar cheese, avocado and sour cream.
Notes
- Sliced avocado
- Frito corn chips
- Tortilla chips
- Sliced olives
- Corn bread crumbles
- Chopped tomatoes
- Salsa
Nutrition
Equipment
- large pot
- Wooden Spoon
Recipe Details
Repurposing Leftovers in New and Exciting Meals
Making a large pot of chili takes only a little bit more work than a small one. When preparing chili, go big and use the extra chili in various creative dishes such as Shepherd’s Pie, Empanadas, Chili Mac, Picadillo, Enchiladas, Shakshuka, Chili Eggs Benedict, and Twice-Baked Potatoes.
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