This is the best homemade chili recipe filled with hearty beef, beans and lots of chili seasoning! This classic chili is made in one pot in under an hour, making dinner a breeze.
Table of Contents
Classic Chili Recipe
This truly is the best chili recipe for your next get together or chili cook off! Don’t forget to serve with a piece of sweet cornbread or a cornbread muffin.
You will also love my turkey chili, Wendy’s chili recipe and my easy chili recipe.
How to Make Homemade Chili
- Combine the ground beef, onion and bell peppers. Saute until meat is browned and the onions are tender.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir together with a wooden spoon. Simmer at least 30 minutes.
- Serve with all your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges or green onions.
Chili Toppings
Piling on the toppings is a must when enjoying a warm bowl of homemade chili! I love how melty and delicious shredded cheese tastes on top, along with a scoop of sour cream and some tortilla strips for an added crunch.
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
- Tortilla strips
- Cornbread croutons
- Chopped avocado
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Spice. Add a dash more chili seasoning, chili powder, cumin, or red pepper flakes to boost the heat. You could also add in some hot sauce as well.
- Brown sugar. I’ve found that adding a few spoonful’s of brown sugar gives the chili a subtle sweet flavor that tastes delicious. This is optional, but highly recommended!
- Simmer. The longer it simmers, the more flavor it will have. Let it simmer for at least an hour, preferably longer if you have the time.
- Using leftovers. If you have chili leftover serve it on top of tortilla chips, a baked potato or boiled hot dog for a totally new lunch or dinner.
- Additions. You can add a can or corn, pinto beans and diced vegetables such as chopped celery or carrots.
- Crockpot version: You can also use your slow cooker to make this crockpot chili or for a lighter version try this slow cooker turkey chili recipe. Brown beef on stove, then add all ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low 4-5 hours.
Freezing Instructions
Chili makes an amazing freezer meal! It holds up really well and is one of my favorite recipes to freeze and reheat.
- Freezing: Allow to cool completely. Add to a zip top bag or freezer container. Don’t fill up your bag or container all the way. Leave a little room for the chili to expand. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Reheating: Remove from freezer and place in fridge or microwave to thaw. Add to a pot and simmer over low heat until warm. Add a few Tablespoons of beef broth to thin out consistency as desired.
More chili favorites include Frito pie or for a fun handheld party favorite use leftover chili for walking tacos!
More Chili Recipes
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Best Homemade Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt , more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 15 ounce can beef broth
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- ½ cup salsa , optional
- 15 ounce can light red kidney beans or pinto beans , rinsed and drained
- 15 ounce can dark red kidney beans , rinsed and drained
- 15 ounce can black beans , rinsed and drained
- 10.5 ounce can Rotel
- 2-3 Tablespoons chili seasoning , about 1 package
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder , more to taste
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar , more to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, tortilla strips, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions
- Brown beef. In a large saucepan over medium-heat, combine 2 pounds ground beef, 1/2 cup chopped onion and 1/2 cup bell peppers. Saute for 10 minutes, or until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain grease, if needed.
- Add all other ingredients. To the pot add 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 15 ounce can beef broth, 15 ounce can tomato sauce, 1/2 cup salsa, 15 ounce can red kidney beans, 15 ounce can black beans, 10.5 ounce can Rotel, 2-3 Tablespoons chili seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 2 Tablespoons brown sugar.
- Mix well then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Salt and pepper to taste. Add more salsa or chili seasoning if you'd like to take up the heat. Add water or broth to thin it.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Beef, Beef, Crockpot, Crockpot, Crockpot, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Freezer-Friendly, Freezer-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Meal Prep, Nut-Free, One Pot, One Pot, Soups, Stovetop, Stovetop
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
This is my go to chili recipe. It is hearty and delicious. My whole family loves it.
Chili season is the best, so glad you found a recipe your whole family enjoys!
This is our very favorite chili recipe. It’s so easy, incredibly delicious, and even better that I get to have leftovers all week. I don’t change a thing when making this, it’s perfect the way you wrote it Jaimelyn!
I’m so happy to hear that, Melanie! Thank you for your kind comment and review :)
I can’t wait to try this. I see you use salsa in several soup recipes. If you’re not making your own salsa, do you have a favorite store bought go-to? I haven’t found a store bought salsa we love (jarred or in the “fresh” refrigerated section). Thanks so much!
I love the Bobby Salzars or Trader Joe’s :)
Wow the flavors here were amazing! Loved every bite!
I’m so happy to hear that, Allyson :)
The absolute best comfort food ever! Thank you!
Tasted really delicious and super easy to make! Thanks a bunch for sharing this amazing recipe! Highly recommended!
So good and so easy.
HMMMM
Best chili I’ve ever made. My family literally fought over who gets the last bite! Thank you Jamielyn!
I’m so happy to hear that your family loved it! Thanks for your comment Tiffany. :)
Chili is such a go-to as soon as the weather changes around here! This is delicious & has yummy flavor!
I love easy chili recipes! This one looks absolutely delicious!
Paige