If you’ve ever craved a satisfying, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, easy homemade chili is your solution. This dish combines ground beef with vibrant spices and wholesome ingredients, creating a comforting bowl of goodness perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe makes for a delicious centerpiece that brings everyone to the table.
Why We Love This Easy Homemade Chili Recipe
This easy homemade chili is more than just a comforting dish; it’s a versatile meal that suits everyone’s tastes. It’s packed with protein from lean ground beef and offers a delightful kick from the chili powder and green chiles, making it satisfying without being overwhelming. What’s more, the recipe allows you to customize the spice level to your liking, so whether you prefer mild or fiery, you’re in control. With ingredients that are typically pantry staples, it’s an accessible recipe that doesn’t take much time to whip up. Plus, the smell that fills your kitchen while it simmers is enough to make your mouth water!
Ingredients about Easy Homemade Chili
To create this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2-2.5 cups)
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 pound lean ground beef (94% lean)
- ¼ cup chili powder (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1½ tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or Better than bouillon beef)
- 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red bell pepper, drained and chopped (1 cup)
- 1–2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles
- 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Optional toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips
How to Make Easy Homemade Chili Directions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it softens, which should take about 3 minutes. The onions will become translucent and fragrant, setting the base for your chili.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and lean ground beef. Brown the beef for approximately 4 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want the meat to be evenly browned without any pink remaining.
- Once the beef is browned, it’s time to add your spices. Incorporate the chili powder, dried oregano, and sugar, stirring for about 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors fully.
- Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium beef broth, roasted red bell peppers, and diced green chiles. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- After simmering, stir in the kidney beans. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The beans will absorb some of the flavors from the chili, enhancing the meal’s overall taste.
- Finally, season with salt to taste. Serve the chili hot, garnishing with your choice of optional toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips for added texture.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Chili
Serving easy homemade chili is as enjoyable as making it. This dish shines as a standalone meal but can also be enhanced with various sides. Serve your chili in a cozy bowl, and don’t hesitate to add your favorite toppings. A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess, while shredded cheese brings that melty texture everyone loves. Fresh cilantro makes for a refreshing balance, and tortilla chips can add a fun crunch.
Pair your chili with warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider adding a DIY chili bar where guests can customize their bowls with a variety of toppings. This will make your serving setup interactive and appealing.
Expert Tips: Easy Homemade Chili
Creating the perfect chili involves a few expert tips that can elevate your dish. First, choose high-quality ingredients; the better your spices and meats, the better your final dish will taste.
Adjust the spice level to match your preference. If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to add extra chili powder or hot sauce. Conversely, for a milder flavor, stick to the original measurements.
Another tip is to allow your chili to simmer longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more developed the flavors will be. You can make the chili ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge overnight; it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasonings before serving. A little extra salt or a dash of sugar can truly enhance the final taste.
How to Store Easy Homemade Chili
Storing easy homemade chili is simple and rewarding. After it cools down, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. When stored correctly, chili can last in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep it for a more extended period, consider freezing it. Portion out the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen chili can last for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, just reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. If the chili looks a bit too thick after storage, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Variation of Easy Homemade Chili
While the easy homemade chili recipe offers a delicious base, there’s always room for variations to suit your preferences. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or additional kidney beans. This will provide the protein you desire without sacrificing flavor.
Consider adding veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for a heartier dish packed with nutrients. You can even play around with the spices; add cumin for an earthy flavor or paprika for a smokier touch.
If you enjoy a touch of sweetness, incorporating corn can provide a delightful contrast to the spices. You can also experiment with different types of beans; try pinto beans or chickpeas for a unique twist on texture and flavor.
FAQ
What makes this easy homemade chili recipe so special? This easy homemade chili recipe stands out because it’s straightforward and customizable. Using fresh ingredients and spices allows you to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste preferences.
Can I make easy homemade chili ahead of time? Yes! In fact, making chili ahead of time enhances its flavors. You can store it in the refrigerator for several days or freeze it for later use.
How can I adjust the spice level of my chili? To adjust the spice level, you can add more or less chili powder and diced green chiles. Experiment until you find the balance that’s perfect for your palate.
Is this chili recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This easy homemade chili is perfect for meal prep, as it stores well and reheats nicely, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
What are some popular toppings for easy homemade chili? Some favorite toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and crunchy tortilla chips. Personalize your bowl to make it even more delicious!
Easy Homemade Chili
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking
- 1 large yellow onion, diced About 2-2.5 cups when chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 pound lean ground beef (94% lean)
- ¼ cup chili powder Adjust according to spice preference
- 1½ tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or Better than bouillon beef)
- 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red bell pepper, drained and chopped (About 1 cup)
- 1–2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles
- 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Optional Toppings
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- fresh cilantro
- tortilla chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add diced yellow onion and saute until they soften (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and lean ground beef. Brown the beef for approximately 4 minutes.
- Add chili powder, dried oregano, and sugar, stirring for about 2 minutes to release flavors.
- Pour in fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, roasted red bell peppers, and diced green chiles.
- Increase heat to bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in kidney beans, simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste and serve hot with optional toppings.
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