Chili is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for warming you up on a chilly day. This recipe for homemade chili is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s filled with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, creating a rich and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Serve it with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, and green onions, for a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients for Homemade Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Diced avocado
- Tortilla chips
How to Make Homemade Chili:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve the chili hot, topped with your favorite toppings.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is a classic ingredient in chili, adding meaty flavor and protein to the dish. You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option or ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
- Beans: Beans are a great source of fiber and protein, making them a nutritious addition to chili. Kidney beans and black beans are commonly used in chili, but you can use any variety you like.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to chili. Canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste are used in this recipe for convenience, but you can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper are the key spices in this chili recipe. They add warmth and depth of flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste for spiciness.
- Beef Broth: Beef broth adds richness to the chili and helps to create a flavorful base for the dish. You can use store-bought or homemade beef broth.
This homemade chili is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
