Best Homemade Chili Recipe

Introduction

This best homemade chili recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Packed with ground meat, beans, and a blend of spices, it’s a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (or turkey)
• 2 small green peppers (about 2 cups diced)
• 1 small yellow onion (about 1 ½ cups diced)
• 2 cans diced tomatoes (15-ounce cans)
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 15 ounces water
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15-ounce cans)
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 3 tablespoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large dutch oven, sauté the diced green peppers and yellow onions until they become translucent and begin to caramelize.
2. Step 2: Add all the seasonings except the baking soda and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef or turkey and brown it until just cooked through. It’s okay if some pink remains before adding the liquids.
4. Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, then add the drained and rinsed kidney beans.
6. Step 6: Stir in the baking soda if using. The sauce will bubble up—stir continuously over medium heat until the bubbling subsides.
7. Step 7: Remove the pot from the heat and serve your chili hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
• Use ground turkey for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
• Add a splash of beer or coffee to deepen the chili’s richness.
• Skip the baking soda if you prefer a thicker sauce; it helps neutralize acidity and soften beans.
• Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Chili also freezes well — freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this chili?

Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or a combination, depending on your preference.

Why do you add baking soda to the chili?

Baking soda helps reduce the acidity of the tomatoes and softens the beans, resulting in a smoother and less tangy chili.

Best Homemade Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 118 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Homemade Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring ground beef, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, and kidney beans, enhanced with a robust blend of spices. Simmered to perfection in a dutch oven, it delivers a comforting and rich chili experience perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 2 pounds ground beef (or turkey)
• 2 small green peppers (about 2 cups diced)
• 1 small yellow onion (about 1 ½ cups diced)

Canned Goods

• 2 cans diced tomatoes (15-ounce cans)
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15-ounce cans)
• 15 ounces water

Spices and Seasonings

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 3 tablespoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large dutch oven, sauté the diced green peppers and yellow onions over medium heat until they become translucent and start to caramelize, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
2. Add Spices: Incorporate all seasonings except the baking soda. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring continuously to release the spices’ aroma, ensuring they don’t burn.
3. Brown the Meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the pot and brown until just cooked through, allowing for a slight pinkness as it will finish cooking with other ingredients.
4. Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook gently for about 15 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Add Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, mixing them thoroughly into the chili base.
7. Incorporate Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda, which will cause the sauce to bubble up. Continue stirring over medium heat until the bubbling subsides, which helps neutralize acidity.
8. Serve: Remove the chili from heat and serve hot, perfect for enjoying with toppings or sides of your choice.

Notes

• Using ground turkey is a great lighter alternative to beef.
• Baking soda is optional but helps reduce acidity and brighten flavors.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control spiciness according to taste.
• Simmering the chili allows flavors to deepen and combine beautifully.
• Serve chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions for added texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade chili, ground beef chili, hearty chili, stovetop chili, kidney bean chili, spicy chili recipe