The Ultimate Homemade Chili

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🌶️ The Ultimate Homemade Chili

📝 Description

This hearty, flavor-packed chili is the ultimate comfort food. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, it delivers a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor that will warm you up any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, game day, or meal prepping for the week, this homemade chili is guaranteed to satisfy.

🍲 Ingredients for The Ultimate Homemade Chili

  • 2 lbs ground beef (or half beef, half ground turkey)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained & rinsed

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed

  • 2 cans (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 3 tbsp chili powder

  • 2 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp salt (to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (balances acidity)

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, or tortilla chips.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

  2. Add onion, peppers, and garlic; sauté until softened (5 minutes).

  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

  4. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes to toast spices.

  5. Add crushed tomatoes, beans, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well.

  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.

  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more cayenne or chili powder for spice.

  8. Serve hot with desired toppings.

🗒️ Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, add 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

  • You can make it in a slow cooker: cook beef and veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

  • Chili always tastes better the next day as flavors deepen.

💡 Tips

  • Use a mix of beans (kidney, pinto, and black beans) for texture.

  • For a thicker chili, simmer longer without the lid.

  • For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or chicken.

  • Freeze leftovers in portions for up to 3 months.

🍴 Servings

  • Makes 8 servings (about 1 ½ cups each).

🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, without toppings)

  • Calories: ~360

  • Protein: 28g

  • Carbs: 28g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Fiber: 9g

  • Sodium: 780mg

🌟 Benefits

  • High in protein → keeps you full longer.

  • Rich in fiber → supports digestion.

  • Versatile → works for meal prep, parties, or weeknight dinners.

  • Budget-friendly → beans and canned tomatoes stretch the meal.

  • Customizable → adjust spice level, toppings, or protein source.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Just skip the meat and add more beans, lentils, or even quinoa for protein.

Q: How do I make it less spicy?
A: Reduce or skip cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, and use mild chili powder.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Q: What can I serve with chili?
A: Cornbread, garlic bread, tortilla chips, baked potatoes, or rice.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes, but cook them down longer to achieve the same thick texture.

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