why make this recipe
Easy Homemade Chili is perfect for busy days when you want something that warms you up and fills you up. It offers a delightful combination of flavors that can please even the pickiest eaters. This recipe provides the satisfaction of a hearty meal without needing complicated steps.
You can prepare it in large batches, making it an excellent option for family gatherings or meal prep. It’s comforting, delicious, and easy to customize to suit your taste. Let’s explore how to make this classic dish.
equipment needed for Easy Homemade Chili
To whip up a delicious pot of Easy Homemade Chili, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. A large soup pot is crucial for cooking everything evenly. A wooden spoon or meat chopper helps break up the meat as it browns.
Additionally, having measuring cups and spoons will keep your ingredients accurate. Tin openers are handy for the canned goods in this chili recipe. Lastly, a ladle is perfect for serving up this warm and hearty dish.
What You Need to Make Easy Homemade Chili
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (I use Jimmy Dean)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, petite, undrained
- 4 cups tomato juice
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 15 ounce cans pinto beans, undrained
- 1 16 ounce can kidney beans, undrained
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you want it spicier)
- Cornmeal (to thicken, if desired)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
How to Cook Easy Homemade Chili Step by Step
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Cook the onion for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.
With the onion cooked, it’s time to brown the meat. Add both the ground beef and the ground pork sausage to the pot. Use a meat chopper or a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces while it cooks. Continue to cook until the meat is thoroughly browned. Once browned, remove any excess grease from the pot.
After the meat is ready, pour in the red wine vinegar and cook everything together for one minute. This adds a nice tangy flavor that lifts the dish. Next, you can add the can of diced tomatoes, tomato juice, and ketchup to the mix.
Now it’s time to add the beans. Open the cans of pinto and kidney beans, then dump them in without draining. Now, stir in the light brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything well until it’s combined.
Bring the chili to a boil over medium-high heat, making sure to stir it occasionally. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. You should let it simmer for at least one hour, but it can go for as long as three hours if you prefer a thicker and more flavorful chili. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
If you’d like your chili to be even thicker, you can stir in a sprinkle of cornmeal towards the end of cooking. This will give it a nice texture. After simmering, it’s ready to serve!
When it’s time to enjoy your chili, ladle it into bowls. For an extra touch, consider topping each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
how to make Easy Homemade Chili
Making Easy Homemade Chili is a straightforward process. Start by preparing your ingredients, ensuring the onion is diced, and the meat is ready to be cooked. This will make the cooking process smoother.
Heat your olive oil in the large soup pot, and add the onion. Cook it until soft. Brown your ground beef and sausage together, breaking them into small pieces. Drain any excess grease to keep your chili from being too oily.
Add in the red wine vinegar and let it cook for a minute. Then, incorporate the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, and ketchup into the pot. This mixture of liquids is what makes the chili so hearty and flavorful.
Next, add the beans straight from their cans, and don’t forget the brown sugar and seasoning mix. Stir everything together until combined.
Let it come to a boil, and then reduce the heat to allow it to simmer. Stir occasionally, and let it cook for at least one hour. As it simmers, it thickens and flavors develop beautifully.
Lastly, serve the chili hot with optional toppings like sour cream and cheddar cheese for that extra flavor.
how to serve Easy Homemade Chili
When serving your Easy Homemade Chili, consider the presentation. Use bowls that are just the right size for a hearty serving. Ladle generous portions of the chili into each bowl.
For added flair, offer toppings on the side. Shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream are classic choices that complement the chili perfectly. Some enjoy adding sliced jalapeños or fresh cilantro for a spicy twist.
Provide plenty of crusty bread or warm tortillas alongside the chili. This allows everyone to scoop up the delicious goodness with ease.
Make sure to keep the chili warm if serving at a gathering. You want everyone to enjoy it at the perfect temperature.
what to serve with Easy Homemade Chili
Easy Homemade Chili pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. A simple green salad is fresh and balances out the richness of the chili.
Cornbread is another classic option that goes hand in hand with chili. It’s slightly sweet, which beautifully complements the spice of the dish.
Offering tortilla chips with salsa is also a fun addition. They add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft chili.
Additionally, consider serving some pickled jalapeños for those who like extra heat. This way, everyone can customize their meal to fit their taste.
how to store Easy Homemade Chili
Storing Easy Homemade Chili is quite simple. After enjoying your meal, make sure to let the leftover chili cool down to room temperature before storing.
Transfer the chili into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to prevent any air from getting in. It can be stored in the fridge for about three to five days.
If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing the chili. Portion it into smaller containers, leaving space for expansion, and seal tightly. When frozen properly, it can last for up to three months.
To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
tips to make Easy Homemade Chili
A few tips can enhance your Easy Homemade Chili experience. First, don’t rush the cooking time. Allowing the chili to simmer for an extended period helps deepen the flavors.
You can adjust the spice levels to your liking. If you like it spicier, consider adding more cayenne pepper or even some chopped fresh peppers.
Experiment with different types of beans as well. Black beans or white beans can be excellent substitutes or additions.
Don’t forget that toppings can elevate your chili. Fresh herbs or avocado slices can add freshness and flavor.
variation
There are many ways to adapt this Easy Homemade Chili to your preferences. For a vegetarian option, swap the meat for hearty vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, or use plant-based meat alternatives.
You might also try adding different spices and herbs to create unique flavor profiles. Smoked paprika can give a lovely smoky taste.
For a southwestern twist, you could include corn and black beans. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a rich, complex flavor.
best time to make Easy Homemade Chili
Easy Homemade Chili is great for any occasion, but it shines during colder months. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners when everyone wants something warm and filling.
It’s also an ideal dish for game day parties and other gatherings. You can prepare it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the company of friends and family without being stuck in the kitchen.
This dish is also fantastic for meal prep. Make a big batch on the weekend, and you’ll have meals ready to go during the busy week.
common mistakes to avoid
When making Easy Homemade Chili, a few common mistakes can impact your results. One is rushing the browning of the meat. If the meat isn’t well browned, the flavors won’t develop as much.
Another mistake is not letting the chili simmer long enough. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor blend will be.
Forgetting to season properly can also lead to bland chili. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings accordingly as it cooks.
Lastly, if you want a thicker chili, don’t skip the cornmeal addition. It can really help with the consistency.
nutritional notes
While chili can be a hearty meal, it can also be nutritious. Packed with protein from the meat and beans, it supports muscle health. The variety of spices used also adds health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties from chili powder.
Adding beans contributes fiber, which is important for digestion. If you serve it with toppings like cheese or avocado, you will also get calcium and healthy fats.
Being mindful of the meat and fat content can help manage calories if you’re watching your diet. Overall, it makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
FAQs
Can I make chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can brown the meat and onions in a pan first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How can I make chili spicier?
To spice up your chili, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. You could even use hotter varieties of peppers.
Can I freeze chili?
Yes! Chili freezes well. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and consume it within three months for the best quality.
conclusion
Easy Homemade Chili is a classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Its simple preparation and delicious flavor make it an instant favorite. You can enjoy it alone or personalize it with toppings and sides.
Whether for family dinners, events, or meal prep, this recipe is flexible and forgiving. Don’t hesitate to adjust it to suit your taste preferences. With just a bit of time and effort, you’ll have a comforting dish that everyone will love.
Easy Homemade Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about five minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef and ground pork sausage, breaking it apart with a meat chopper or spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned.
- Drain excess grease from the pot.
- Pour in the red wine vinegar and cook for one minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, and ketchup.
- Open and add pinto and kidney beans without draining.
- Stir in brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for at least one hour, stirring occasionally.
- For thicker chili, stir in cornmeal towards the end of cooking.
- Ladle chili into bowls and top with cheddar cheese and sour cream if desired.
