Chili Recipe: The Best Hearty and Easy Homemade Comfort Food
A rich, hearty chili recipe made with tender ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or game day!
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or deep pot
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Chopping board
- Chef’s knife
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons & cups
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb 450g ground beef or turkey
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained
- 1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or dark chocolate for richness
- Toppings Optional:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Jalapeño slices
- Chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onions for 3–4 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground meat and brown until fully cooked (about 8–10 minutes).
- Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt & pepper. Let the spices bloom for 2 minutes.
- Add beans, diced tomatoes, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Optional: stir in a pinch of cinnamon or dark chocolate for richness.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorites like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
Notes
For deeper flavor, make this chili a day ahead—letting it sit overnight enhances the spice blend and brings out rich, complex notes. It also freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking or meal prep!