Easy Homemade Chili Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful meal that warms the soul and excites your taste buds, look no further than this Easy Homemade Chili. It’s a delicious, hearty dish packed with tender ground meats, rich tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices that come together to create a perfect bowl of pure satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd of friends, this Easy Homemade Chili recipe brings a taste of home with every spoonful, making it a dependable favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Believe it or not, crafting a memorable chili doesn’t require an endless list of fancy ingredients—just a few well-picked staples that each play a starring role. These ingredients work together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this Easy Homemade Chili stand out in the best possible way.

• Olive oil: Adds the perfect base for sautéing onions, enhancing flavor from the very first step.
• Large onion, diced: Brings a natural sweetness and aroma that rounds out the chili’s savory profile.
• Lean ground beef: Offers hearty, meaty richness essential for any great chili.
• Ground pork sausage: Introduces a subtle spice and extra juiciness to deepen the flavor.
• Red wine vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that balances the dish’s richness beautifully.
• Can of diced tomatoes, petite, undrained: Provides fresh tomato sweetness and texture throughout the chili.
• Tomato juice: Creates a flavorful, saucy base that’s both light and satisfying.
• Ketchup: Adds gentle tang and sweetness to enhance the tomato foundation.
• Pinto beans, canned and undrained: Contributes creamy, soft texture and earthy flavor.
• Kidney beans, canned and undrained: A classic chili ingredient delivering a hearty bite and color contrast.
• Light brown sugar: Balances acidity with just a touch of mellow sweetness.
• Chili powder: The core seasoning that ties all the spices together with warmth and depth.
• Garlic salt: An easy way to infuse savory, garlicky goodness.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds an understated kick and complexity to the spice mix.
• Paprika: Provides rich color and a subtle smoky undertone.
• Ground cumin: Offers an earthy, nutty spice that is signature in chili recipes.
• Cayenne pepper: Lets you dial up the heat exactly how you like it, making this chili yours.
• Cornmeal (optional): Helps thicken the chili if you prefer a heartier texture.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): A melty topper that adds creaminess and sharpness.
• Sour cream (optional): Provides a cool, tangy counterpoint to the spicy chili.

How to Make Easy Homemade Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion. Let it cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step is crucial because it builds a fragrant flavor base that will carry through the entire chili.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

Next, add the lean ground beef and ground pork sausage into the pot. Use a wooden spoon or meat chopper to break the meat into small pieces. Cook until browned and no longer pink, which usually takes several minutes. Once browned, carefully drain the grease from the pot to keep your chili rich but not greasy. Browning the meat properly layers the dish with savory depth and texture.

Step 3: Add Vinegar and Combine Ingredients

Pour in the red wine vinegar and let it cook for one minute—this tangy addition enhances the overall flavor. Then, add the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato juice, ketchup, both the pinto and kidney beans (undrained), light brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly so every ingredient is incorporated. This colorful mixture forms the heart of your Easy Homemade Chili’s bold and inviting flavor.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chili to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring as it heats. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for at least one hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer you let it simmer, up to three hours if you have the time, the richer and thicker it becomes. If you want your chili even thicker, sprinkle in some cornmeal toward the end and stir well. This slow simmer is where all those spices meld together into a comforting, robust chili you’ll adore.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When your chili reaches the perfect consistency and aroma, it’s ready to be ladled into bowls. Consider topping it with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for that extra creamy and tangy finish. Your Easy Homemade Chili is now ready to wow everyone at your table!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Chili

Garnishes

The beauty of chili is how versatile your toppings can be. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a luscious melt, while a spoonful of sour cream cuts through the heat with creamy coolness. Fresh chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, or a handful of cilantro also make fantastic, fresh garnishes that brighten up each bowl.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider pairing this chili with classic sides like warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or even a fresh green salad. Rice or baked potatoes also work great if you want to turn your Easy Homemade Chili into a heartier feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve your chili in crockpot-style bread bowls or stuff it into baked potatoes for a fun twist. Alternatively, turning it into a layered chili dip with cheese and crackers at your next gathering will surely make it a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Homemade Chili keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor so you can enjoy a quick, satisfying meal any time.

Freezing

If you want to prepare chili in bulk, this recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy days when you want comfort food without the fuss.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chili gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Homemade Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and pork sausage with plant-based proteins like lentils, textured vegetable protein, or additional beans to create a tasty vegetarian chili that still delivers on texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar, a splash of apple cider vinegar or even lemon juice can provide the needed acidity to brighten the chili—just use a little less to start and adjust to taste.

How spicy is this Easy Homemade Chili?

The level of heat depends on the amount of cayenne pepper you add. The recipe includes a moderate amount, but you can easily adjust it to be milder or hotter according to your preference.

Is it necessary to drain the beans?

This recipe calls for using undrained beans because the liquid adds body and flavor to the chili. Draining the beans would make the chili less saucy and could affect the overall texture.

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes! Feel free to swap pinto or kidney beans for black beans, navy beans, or any favorites you have on hand. Just keep in mind different beans may slightly change the texture or flavor but won’t detract from the deliciousness.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Easy Homemade Chili becomes your go-to recipe whenever you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and downright satisfying. It’s simple to make yet so richly rewarding, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. So gather your ingredients, embrace the delicious aromas, and treat yourself to a bowl of homemade goodness you’ll want to savor time and time again.

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