Homemade Chili Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Classic

A rustic black cast-iron pot filled with homemade chili, featuring red kidney beans, corn, and ground meat, garnished with fresh cilantro.

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili to bring comfort and satisfaction, especially on a chilly evening. This delicious homemade chili recipe is packed with rich flavors, tender beans, and savory spices. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this easy and flavorful chili recipe!

Ingredients For Homemade Chili:

A rustic wooden surface displaying fresh chili ingredients, including a ripe tomato, a partially shucked ear of corn, a bulb of garlic, black beans in a wooden bowl, and red kidney beans.
  • 2 pounds ground meat (beef, turkey, or a mix)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 (10-ounce) cans of Rotel
  • 4 (8-ounce) cans of tomato sauce
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans of black beans, drained
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans of red kidney beans
  • 2 (16-ounce) cans of pinto beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) can of whole kernel corn
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 5 tablespoons A1 sauce

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground meat over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, and the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the Rotel, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and corn. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  3. Season the Chili: Add the chili powder, cumin, and A1 sauce, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
  4. Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to medium-high and let the chili simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and develop into a rich, hearty dish.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili has thickened and the flavors have deepened, serve it hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or a side of cornbread.

Possible Toppings:

Enhance your bowl of chili with a variety of delicious toppings! Here are some tasty options:

  • Shredded Cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack add a creamy, melty texture.
  • Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, tangy contrast.
  • Chopped Green Onions – For a fresh and slightly sharp bite.
  • Avocado Slices – Adds creaminess and a mild flavor boost.
  • Crushed Tortilla Chips – For an extra crunch and texture.
  • Jalapeño Slices – To spice things up a little more.
  • Cilantro – A fresh herb that enhances the flavor.
  • Cornbread – A perfect side for dipping into the chili.

Tips for the Best Homemade Chili:

  • Customize the Spice Level: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Enhance the Flavor: Let the chili simmer for a longer time for a deeper, richer taste.
  • Make it Thicker: Mash some of the beans or add a tablespoon of cornmeal to thicken the chili.
  • Storage: This chili stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

This hearty homemade chili is a go-to comfort food that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you enjoy it on game day, during a cozy night in, or as a meal prep staple, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

A rustic black cast-iron pot filled with homemade chili, featuring red kidney beans, corn, and ground meat, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Homemade Chili

This hearty homemade chili recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish made with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. It’s simple to prepare—just brown the meat with onions, bell peppers, and garlic, then add beans, Rotel, tomato sauce, corn, and seasonings. Simmer for an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese or cornbread. Perfect for meal prep, game days, or cozy nights in, this chili is a crowd-pleasing favorite that stores well for future meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 12
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven for cooking the chili
  • wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the ingredients.
  • cutting board for chopping vegetables.
  • sharp knife for dicing onions, bell peppers, and mincing garlic.
  • Can Opener for opening the canned ingredients.
  • measuring spoons for measuring spices and A1 sauce.
  • Measuring Cups for any liquid ingredients if needed.
  • Ladle for serving the chili.
  • Storage Containers for refrigerating or freezing leftovers.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Pounds Ground Meat
  • 1 Large Onion, diced
  • 1 Large Bell Pepper, diced
  • 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
  • 2 10 ounce Cans of Rotel
  • 4 8 ounce Cans of Tomato Sauce
  • 2 15 ounce Cans of Black Beans, drained
  • 2 15 ounce Cans of Red Kidney Beans
  • 2 16 ounce Cans of Pinto Beans
  • 1 15 oz Can of Whole Kernel Corn
  • 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Cumin
  • 5 Tablespoons A1 Sauce

Possible Toppings

  • Shredded Cheese
  • Sour Cream
  • Chopped Green Onions
  • Avocado Slices
  • Crushed Tortilla Chips
  • Jalapeno Slices
  • Cilantro
  • Cornbread

Instructions
 

  • Brown ground meat with onion, bell pepper and garlic. Drain
  • Add remaining ingredients, stirring to mix.
  • Cook on med/high heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve with preferred toppings

Notes

The nutritional values provided are estimates only and are calculated based on general nutritional data for the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands, measurements, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a verified nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 1000mgFiber: 12gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 5mg
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7 thoughts on “Homemade Chili Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Classic”

  1. I made this recipe the last time you made it on a live. It was so delicious. As you know how ND is cold in the winter, it really hit the spot!!!! I will be making it again this weekend for the Superbowl. It is sooooo good!!!!! Hope everyone in the Munson family is doing well!!! Take care. Hugs to all of you and to all your cuddly animals including the chickens!!! My mom told me my grandma pampered her chickens by giving them potato peelings and they loved it! (not sure if raw or cooked with some of the potato left on it. The chickens were always laying eggs after they started eating the potato peelings. I know you pamper every single animal you own. I wish I had more animals. I used to have 7 rescue cats and a dog. We now have 2 rescue cats and our beloved 140 pound Golden Retriever. All spoiled rotten!!!! I still spoil the wild rabbits by feeding them veggies and rabbit food. Keeps them from gnawing on my shrub roses if they get too hungry. No predators lurk around town so no worries of unwanted animals in the area. Happy cooking! I’m making Cheesy Taco Rice tonight.

  2. I made this chili yesterday! It was soooo good.. I’m making your broccoli cornbread tonight to go with leftover chili. I enjoy your post with family and pets. Thank you
    Trica from Tampa FL

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