Homemade Chili from Scratch: Easy and Delicious Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chili to warm you up on a chilly day. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in many households, offering a perfect blend of spices, tender meat, and robust beans. Making chili from scratch allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste, ensuring a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing for a gathering with friends, this homemade chili recipe is sure to impress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from selecting the best ingredients to perfecting the cooking techniques that will make your chili truly stand out.

Ingredients for Homemade Chili from Scratch

To create a mouthwatering homemade chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey: Choose a quality ground meat to ensure a rich, meaty flavor. Ground turkey is a leaner option if you prefer.
• 1 large onion, diced: Onions add a sweet and savory depth to the chili.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 bell pepper, diced: Use any color bell pepper for a burst of sweetness and color.
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes provide the base of the chili’s sauce.
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Tomato sauce thickens the chili and adds richness.
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Beans add texture and protein.
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed: Black beans offer a nice contrast to kidney beans.
• 2 tablespoons chili powder: Chili powder is essential for that classic chili flavor.
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy undertone.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika gives a subtle smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon oregano: Oregano contributes a hint of herbal freshness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Pepper adds a mild heat.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like extra heat.
• 1 cup beef broth or water: Liquid helps to meld the flavors together and achieve the desired consistency.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.

How to Make Homemade Chili from Scratch

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and preparing them for cooking. Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and rinse the beans. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
2. Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the meat is browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add the Spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned meat to the pot with the vegetables and spices. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth or water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors will meld together. For the best results, simmer the chili for 1-2 hours.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference.
8. Serve: Once the chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Pair with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

About the Main Ingredients

Ground Beef or Turkey: The choice between ground beef and turkey depends on your dietary preferences and flavor preference. Ground beef provides a richer, meatier taste, while ground turkey is a leaner option that still delivers a satisfying texture. Opt for grass-fed beef or organic turkey for the best quality.

Onion and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables form the flavor base of the chili. Onions add sweetness and depth, while garlic provides a pungent kick. Sautéing them together enhances their flavors and ensures they blend seamlessly into the dish.

Bell Pepper: Bell peppers contribute a mild sweetness and a pop of color to the chili. They also add a slight crunch that complements the beans and meat. You can use any color bell pepper you prefer, though red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter than green ones.

Canned Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: These ingredients create the rich, tomato-based sauce that envelops the other components. Using both diced tomatoes and tomato sauce ensures a balanced texture and consistency.

Beans: Kidney beans and black beans are classic choices for chili. They provide protein, fiber, and a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the meat. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans to remove excess sodium and improve the overall flavor.

Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano gives the chili its signature taste. Chili powder is a blend of spices that includes ground chilies, garlic powder, and other seasonings. Cumin adds warmth, paprika offers smokiness, and oregano brings a touch of herbal freshness. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat, olive oil is a healthy fat that adds flavor and aids in the cooking process.

Beef Broth or Water: Adding liquid helps to achieve the desired consistency and allows the flavors to meld together. Beef broth adds extra depth and richness, but water can be used as a substitute if needed.

Making homemade chili from scratch is a rewarding culinary experience that results in a delicious, hearty meal. By using fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors develop, you’ll create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your homemade chili with family and friends, and savor the satisfaction of a meal well-made.