This is truly the best homemade chili recipe. Ground beef slow-simmered in an aromatic tomato-based chili sauce with loads of garlic and spices.
Enjoy this chili with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, diced jalapeno, or even a sprinkle of cheese. It's the perfect recipe to enjoy to warm up and eat alongside loved ones.
![Chili in a bowl](https://i0.wp.com/crave-worthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chili-Recipe.jpg?resize=720%2C1008&ssl=1)
Try making chili if you're looking for a tasty meal that Texans love. This delicious dish is made by simmering ground beef chuck in a tomato-based broth seasoned with a blend of dried chilies, oregano, and cumin.
I enjoy making chili because it's easy to prepare for a hungry family, and the leftovers are even more delicious. Additionally, chili is a great meal to take to school or work, just pack your toppings separately.
Ingredients to Make Chili
![Ingredients to Make Chili](https://i0.wp.com/crave-worthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ingredients-to-Make-Chili.jpg?resize=643%2C900&ssl=1)
- Veggies: you'll need one onion—any variety of onions will work. I prefer red pepper because it adds more sweetness to the dish.
- Beef: use 80/20 ground beef.
- Spices: chili powder, cumin, and chopped garlic.
- Beans: you will need black beans and pinto beans. Make sure to rinse the beans until the water runs clear.
- Diced tomatoes: I prefer fire-roasted tomatoes for diced tomatoes, but tomato sauce can be used to avoid tomato pieces in the chili.
- Toppings: sour cream, shredded Mexican cheese, diced onions, and thinly sliced jalapenos make delicious chili toppings.
How to Make the Best Homemade Chili Recipe
![ground beef with spices, garlic, and diced peppers](https://i0.wp.com/crave-worthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Make-Chili-1.jpg?resize=720%2C1080&ssl=1)
![cooked ground beef with spices](https://i0.wp.com/crave-worthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ground-Beef-with-Spices-in-a-Dutch-Oven-1.jpg?resize=720%2C1080&ssl=1)
Heat a pot over medium heat. Once it's heated, drizzle in olive oil. Add the diced onion, red pepper, garlic, and spices. Stir-fry until the meat is golden brown.
![](https://i0.wp.com/crave-worthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Beans-Diced-Tomatoes-in-a-Dutch-Oven.jpg?resize=720%2C1080&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/crave-worthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/good-5.jpg?resize=720%2C1008&ssl=1)
Add the black beans, pinto beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a cup of water or broth. Cover the pot with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 30 minutes or no longer than 60 minutes.
![chili in a bowl](https://i0.wp.com/crave-worthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Best-Chili-Recipe.jpg?resize=720%2C1080&ssl=1)
Serve the chili with a sprinkle of Mexican-style shredded cheese, freshly sliced jalapeno, diced onion, and a dollop of sour cream.
Frequently Asked Question
Chuck is undoubtedly the best type of beef to use in chili. This is mainly due to its ability to retain its exceptional flavor and textural integrity, even after being cooked for a long time.
Dried chilies and cumin are a must. The secret to the best chili is in the tomato-rich broth. Use dried chilies for heat, flavor, and good-quality cumin to achieve that signature chili taste. Without these essential ingredients, your dish will take like tomato sauce. Slow-cook your chili. Let the flavors mix, allowing the broth to thicken—creating that hearty chili that sticks to your ribs.
Because fat adds flavor and body to chili, use 80/20.
![Best Homemade Chili](https://i0.wp.com/crave-worthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Homemade-Chili.jpg?resize=720%2C1080&ssl=1)
More Crave Recipes
Salmon Soup with Lemon and Dill. This soup has a rich and creamy texture, delicate flavors of salmon and fresh herbs, and nourishing ingredients. This soup is both comforting and satisfying.
Chicken Chili Recipe. This Chicken Chili is a delectable blend of ancho chilies, tender ground chicken, and various other delectable spices. It's the perfect dinner any night of the week.
Best Homemade Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- salt and pepper as needed
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 15 oz can black beans
- 1 15 oz can pinto beans
- 1 15 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup water or broth
- Mexican-style shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onion, avocado, and thin-sliced jalapeño for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once heated, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the onion, red pepper, salt and pepper. Saute until the onions have softened.
- Add the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Saute until the meat is golden brown.
- Add the beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, broth (or water). Stir to combine. Cover the pot with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 30 minutes or up to 60 minutes.
- Serve with shredded cheese, diced onion, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
Laurie says
I didn't realize how easy it was to make chili. My family loved!
Ashley says
That's great, Laurie! So happy to hear you enjoyed it.
Miranda says
I've made this twice so far!
Ashley says
That's so nice to hear! Thank you.
Irina Hurmeydan says
This is absolutely delicious, simple and will become a family favorite. I have made it twice in one week!!!! Also it was a great suggestion to add avocado it, made it even more exciting.
Ashley says
Yay! So glad to hear that.
Veronica says
I made this recipe 3 times this week! It's so good. Thanks for the recipe.