Homemade Chili Recipe Beef Best Comfort Dinner

Recipes for chili homemade always remind me of sitting in my grandmother’s kitchen on a cool autumn evening. The pot on the stove bubbled slowly while the smell of garlic, onion, and rich spices filled the air. That memory inspired me to perfect the best homemade chili recipe beef lovers could enjoy again and again. Each spoonful feels comforting with tender chili ground beef, hearty beans, and bold flavors simmered together until the kitchen smells like home.

Callie Brooks

Homemade Beef Chili

This hearty homemade chili brings back memories of cozy evenings in grandma’s kitchen. Rich with chili ground beef, beans, and bold spices, it’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or game day.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 lbs chili ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (fire roasted preferred)
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 × 15 oz cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• to taste salt and black pepper
• as desired cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions (for topping)

Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• wooden spoon
• measuring spoons
• can opener
• cutting board and knife

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add chili ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any grease.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about five minutes. Stir in garlic and cook one minute more.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and let simmer for at least one hour. For best flavor, simmer two to three hours while stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle chili into bowls and top with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 880mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 8gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Use fire roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth, and let the chili simmer longer to develop full flavor. Optional add-ins include a square of dark chocolate or a splash of coffee for complexity. This chili freezes and reheats beautifully for easy meals.

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Why you will love this homemade chili recipe beef

Homemade chili is classic comfort food and this version is simple, hearty, and rich in flavor. The ingredients are budget friendly and perfect for weeknight meals or game day spreads.

• The flavors deepen the longer it simmers which makes it taste even better the next day.
  
• This recipe uses pantry staples and easy techniques so anyone can master it.
  
• You can serve it in bowls with toppings, as a filling for chili tacos, or spooned over baked potatoes.
  
• It works perfectly as meal prep since it freezes and reheats without losing flavor.
  
• The recipe captures the warmth of grandmas chili while giving you flexibility to add your own twist.
  

Homemade beef chili ingredients

Here is everything you need to prepare a flavorful pot of chili:

These homemade beef chili ingredients create a hearty and satisfying dish that works for family dinners or parties.

Homemade chili recipe steps

Follow these homemade chili recipe steps for a perfect stovetop dinner:

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add chili ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any grease.
   
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about five minutes. Stir in garlic and cook one minute more.
   
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth.
   
4. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
   
5. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and let simmer for at least one hour. For the best flavor simmer two to three hours while stirring occasionally.
   
6. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
   

This chili recipe easy stovetop ground beef method ensures bold flavors with little effort.

How to serve homemade chili

• Serve hot with cornbread on the side for a traditional pairing.
  
• Spoon over baked potatoes for a filling and cozy meal.
  
• Use as a topping for nachos at game day gatherings.
  
• Make fun chili tacos by spooning into tortillas with toppings.
  
• Serve with rice for a budget friendly family dinner.
  

Tips for the best homemade chili recipe beef

• Always toast the spices with onion and garlic to release full flavor.
  
• Simmer longer whenever possible since slow cooking deepens richness.
  
• Try fire roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist.
  
• Add a square of dark chocolate or a splash of coffee to enhance the taste.
  
• Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
  

Common mistakes to avoid in recipes for chili homemade

• Adding too much salt early instead of adjusting near the end.
  
• Rushing the simmer which prevents flavors from developing.
  
• Not draining the ground beef which leaves chili too greasy.
  
• Stirring beans roughly and causing them to break apart.
  

Storage and reheating instructions

This makes it perfect for meal prepping and enjoying later.

Frequently asked questions about chili ground beef

Can I make chili without beans? Yes, you can leave them out for a Texas style version.
Can I replace beef with turkey? Yes, ground turkey works for a lighter chili.
Is this a chili recipe easy stovetop ground beef style? Yes, the entire recipe is cooked in one pot on the stove.
Can I make it spicier? Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra cayenne pepper.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the beef first then cook on low for six to eight hours.

Conclusion

Recipes for chili homemade are always a comforting choice. This version combines tender chili ground beef, beans, and spices for the ultimate meal. From the warmth of grandmas chili traditions to fun variations like chili tacos, it is a dish that fits every table. Save this recipe when you want hearty comfort food or share it with friends who love the best homemade chili recipe beef style.