Chili Recipe

Warm, hearty, and full of flavor this chili recipe is the perfect comfort food for any season. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, this dish is a staple that everyone loves. Whether you’re making a classic chili recipe, a chili recipe vegetarian, or an award-winning chili recipe, this version gives you a foolproof base you can easily adapt to your taste. It’s rich, satisfying, and pairs perfectly with cornbread on a chilly night. Find more healthy and tasty Chili Recipe ideas here.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes with juice
1 ½ cups water (optional, for desired consistency)
1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for smoky depth)
½ teaspoon paprika or cayenne (optional, for heat)

Ingredient Notes:
The ground beef provides a rich, meaty base for this chili recipe with beans, but you can easily substitute ground turkey for a lighter chili recipe turkey variation. Kidney beans add creaminess and body, while stewed tomatoes bring a natural tang. Chili powder, garlic, and cumin deliver that signature smoky warmth found in the Texas chili recipe.

If you prefer a chili recipe no beans, simply skip the beans and increase the meat slightly you’ll get a true Texas-style bowl of chili. For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat with lentils or mixed vegetables for an easy chili recipe vegetarian version.

How to Cook Chili Recipe

Step 1: In a large pot or saucepan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Stir in tomato sauce, kidney beans, and stewed tomatoes (with juice). Add water if you prefer a thinner chili consistency.
Step 4: Season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika. Stir well to blend all flavors.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasonings — add more chili powder for spice or a dash of sugar if the tomatoes taste too tangy.
Step 7: Serve hot in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.

Tips:

For a chili recipe slow cooker, brown the beef and onion first, then transfer everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Want a deeper flavor? Add a splash of dark beer or beef broth while simmering it enhances richness.
To make a chili recipe instant pot, sauté the beef and onions using the sauté mode, add remaining ingredients, and pressure cook for 12 minutes with a quick release.
For a heartier meal, pair it with cornbread using a cornbread recipe chili recipe crockpot combo.