The Best Homemade Chili

Warm up with a bowl of The Best Homemade Chili, a satisfying and robust dish loaded with layers of flavor. Made with a perfect mix of ground beef, smoky bacon, beans, and aromatic spices, this chili is ideal for cold weather, game days, or a cozy family dinner. Whether you enjoy it mild or with an extra kick, this chili is easily customizable to fit your taste. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for the ultimate comforting meal!

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5 hours
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Equipment Needed: Large non-stick Dutch oven or pot

• 1 lb bacon, cut into small pieces
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4.5 tbsp chili powder
• 1.5 tbsp ground cumin
• 1.5 tbsp paprika
• 0.5 to 1.5 tbsp chipotle powder (adjust to preference)
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp cayenne powder (optional, for extra heat)
• 3 lbs ground beef
• 1 can or bottle of beer (e.g., Coors Light)
• 1 (14 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14 oz) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (24 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (24 oz) can diced tomatoes

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large non-stick Dutch oven or pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until almost crispy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pot with the bacon.
2. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Spices

1. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, chipotle powder, oregano, salt, and cayenne powder (if desired).
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until no longer pink.

Step 5: Add Beer, Beans, and Tomatoes

1. Pour in the beer, stirring to deglaze the pot.
2. Add the rinsed and drained black beans and kidney beans, as well as the crushed and diced tomatoes (including their juice).

Step 6: Simmer the Chili

1. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
2. Simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a bit of water to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

1. After cooking, taste the chili and adjust the salt or spices if necessary.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Can I make this chili spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, add more chipotle powder, cayenne powder, or even diced jalapeños to the pot.

What’s the best beer to use in chili?
A light, mild beer like Coors Light adds a subtle flavor. Darker beers give a richer taste, so choose based on your preference.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I freeze leftover chili?
Yes! Allow the chili to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

How do I thicken chili if it’s too watery?
To thicken, let the chili simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the bacon, vegetables, and ground beef, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can work well as a substitute for ground beef.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and add more beans, lentils, or even tofu for a hearty vegetarian version.

• Toppings: Try shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or crushed tortilla chips.
• Flavor Tip: Add a bit of cocoa powder or cinnamon for a subtle depth of flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with cornbread, rice, or crusty bread.

The Best Homemade Chili is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe perfect for cold days, family meals, or get-togethers. This chili will warm you up and bring everyone back for seconds!

The Best Homemade Chili

The Best Homemade Chili is a hearty, comforting dish filled with tender ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices for a perfect balance of flavors. This classic chili recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to serve at your next gathering, this rich, flavorful chili will have everyone coming back for more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lb ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or pork
• 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
• In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
• Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
• Add ground beef to the pot with the vegetables. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
• Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
• Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste.
• Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using.
• Stir well to combine all ingredients.
• Step 4: Simmer the Chili
• Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• For deeper flavor, let the chili simmer for up to 2 hours on low.
• Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
• After simmering, taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Step 6: Serve
• Ladle the chili into bowls and add desired toppings like shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, and cilantro.

Video

Notes

• Make It Your Own: Feel free to add more beans or veggies like zucchini, carrots, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños if you like your chili spicier.
• Thicker Chili: If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the chili simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes.
• Storage: Chili tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.

Keyword The Best Homemade Chili