Description
This hearty, flavor-packed homemade chili is everything comfort food should be—bold, rich, and ready to warm you up from the inside out. Whether it’s game day, a cold Sunday night, or just a craving for something cozy, this chili delivers. Made with ground beef, beans (if you’re into that), and a perfectly balanced spice blend, it’s a one-pot wonder that only gets better with time. Bonus: It’s super customizable for every kind of chili lover.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef (or half beef, half ground pork)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but awesome)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (trust us)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth or dark beer
- 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce (optional, to taste)
For the Chili Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or cubed chuck roast)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional, for heat)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth (or beer for extra depth!)
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained & rinsed (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans or pinto beans, drained & rinsed (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Essential Chili Spices:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Secret Flavor Boosters (Optional but Recommended!):
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder or 1 small square dark chocolate 🍫
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso ☕
For Serving (Toppings & Sides):
✔ Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
✔ Sour cream or Greek yogurt
✔ Chopped cilantro or green onions
✔ Avocado slices
✔ Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon (if using), and cocoa powder. Toast the spices for 30 seconds to bring out their aroma.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth (or beer). Stir everything together.
- Add kidney beans if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more heat if desired, or balance with a pinch of sugar or splash of lime juice.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings and sides.
Notes
Additional Notes:
- Make-ahead magic: Chili tastes even better the next day—make it ahead and let the flavors deepen overnight.
- No beans? No problem: For Texas-style chili, skip the beans and add extra meat or a blend like chuck roast for a heartier texture.
- Spice it up or down: Start mild and let guests customize with hot sauce, jalapeños, or chili flakes.
- Serving ideas: Try it over rice, in a bread bowl, or spooned onto baked potatoes.
- Freezer-friendly: Let chili cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Cuisine: American (Tex-Mex-inspired)
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g