There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of homemade chili. The rich aroma of slowly simmering ground beef and beans fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace that’s perfect for chilly nights. This chili is not just any ordinary recipe; it’s a cherished blend of flavors that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With a delightful balance of spices, the inclusion of crispy bacon, and the heartiness from beans, it’s a dish that guarantees smiles all around.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Homemade Chili Recipe (Ground Beef and Beans)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
How to Make Homemade Chili Recipe (Ground Beef and Beans)

How to Make Homemade Chili Recipe (Ground Beef and Beans)

One of the most satisfying aspects of cooking chili is the way it becomes even better the next day, allowing those tantalizing flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a family dinner, or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this is a crowd-pleasing dish that never fails to impress. So roll up your sleeves and get prepared to savor every wonderful bite of this best homemade chili recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This Chili can be made in just under three hours, perfect for a weekend cook-up.
Irresistible Flavor: Balancing sweetness from brown sugar with a kick from cayenne pepper, each spoonful is packed with robust flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With colorful veggies and hearty beans, it not only tastes amazing but also looks great in the bowl.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for those chilly evenings, game days, or even as a cozy lunch—this dish fits any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Want to adapt it? Try using ground turkey or a mix of beans for a lighter, yet delicious alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces bacon, chopped: For that smoky, savory kick—leave some grease in the pot for flavor.
1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth; you can substitute with a sweet onion if desired.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings sweetness and color; green bell peppers work as an alternative.
1 jalapeño pepper, diced: Adds heat; adjust to your spice preference or omit for a milder chili.
2 carrots, minced: Provides natural sweetness and a pop of color; can be swapped with celery.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Ensures a robust flavor; fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can suffice.
2 pounds lean ground beef: The heart of your chili; you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
2 teaspoons light brown sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes; white sugar can be substituted.
2 and 1/2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors; feel free to adjust based on dietary needs.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a warm note; freshly cracked is best.
3 teaspoons chili powder: The star spice—adjust for heat preference; store-bought or homemade works.
2 teaspoons ground cumin: Imparts a warm, earthy flavor; it’s key in chili, though coriander can serve in a pinch.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor; optional but adds depth.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For an extra kick; adjust it as per your spice tolerance.
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Thickens the chili and adds rich tomato flavor.
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes with basil: Brings acidity and freshness; you can also use diced tomatoes.
3 (15-ounce) cans of mixed beans (1 red kidney, 1 black, 1 pinto): For protein and fiber; feel free to use any preferred combinations.
3 cups beef broth or 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup pilsner beer: Adds depth of flavor; chicken broth is a suitable alternative.

How to Make Homemade Chili Recipe (Ground Beef and Beans)

Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, fry the 8 ounces of chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Stir frequently for even crisping. Once done, drain on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan for flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, and minced carrots to the oily pan. Sauté until soft and lightly caramelized, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Toss in the minced garlic and continue to cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the 2 pounds of lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart gently. Cook until it’s deeply browned and no longer pink, roughly 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid stirring too vigorously to keep some larger chunks intact for texture.
Season the Mix: Sprinkle in the 2 teaspoons of light brown sugar, 2 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and spices (3 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper). Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add in the 6-ounce can of tomato paste, stirring well to break it up and integrate it with the meat mixture. Give it about 2 minutes to deepen in color and flavor.
Add Crushed Tomatoes: Introduce the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes into the mix, cooking for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Stir in Beans and Broth: Add the reserved bacon, the three cans of beans (drained and rinsed), and 3 cups of beef broth (or the optional pilsner beer) to the pot. Mix thoroughly and bring the chili to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If you notice the chili thickening too much, add additional broth as necessary.

Finally, ladle the chili into bowls and serve it up with your favorite garnishes, from shredded cheese to fresh cilantro.

Storing & Reheating

This delicious homemade chili is perfect for making in bulk. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature if it’s just for a couple hours. For longer storage, pop it in the refrigerator where it can last for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat your chili on the stovetop over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave in two-minute intervals until warmed through. Just keep in mind that the texture might change a bit once frozen, so a splash of broth or water while reheating can help refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always remember to cook the bacon slowly to achieve maximum crispiness. Rushed bacon tends to have a chewy texture.
Use fresh spices for the best flavor. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider replacing them for a more vibrant taste.
If you want to boost the chili’s flavor even more, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving.
For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans or simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
Don’t forget that experimenting is part of the fun! Feel free to add more veggies or even switch up the types of beans to suit your taste.

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a bowl of savory chili with family and friends, and this homemade chili recipe is a delightful treat to share. Rich in flavor, packed with wholesome ingredients, and versatile for all occasions, it’s simply unbeatable. Feel free to make this chili your own by adding ingredients that you love, and don’t hesitate to invite your loved ones over for a taste. There’s always something special about sharing good food, and this chili will surely make it memorable.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this chili spicier?

To add a kick, consider incorporating more jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce. You can also increase the cayenne pepper or include some diced serrano peppers for an extra layer of heat. Keep tasting as you go to achieve your desired level of spiciness!

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the bacon and ground beef in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop beautifully while you go about your day.

What are some good toppings for this chili?

Garnishing chili elevates its charm! Consider toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, diced avocado, cilantro, or even crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. Each adds a delightful contrast to the chili’s warmth.

How can I adjust this recipe to be vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils and additional vegetables. You can also use vegetarian beans and vegetable broth to keep it flavorful. Just remember to adjust your spices as necessary to maintain that hearty, satisfying flavor.

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How to Make Homemade Chili Recipe (Ground Beef and Beans)

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Simmer
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Homemade Chili combines ground beef, smoky bacon, and hearty beans for a meal that’s full of flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or cozy nights in, this recipe is easy to make and sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces bacon, chopped
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeds and core removed, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, diced
2 carrots, minced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
2 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 6 ounce can tomato paste
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes with basil
3 15 ounce cans of beans (1 red kidney beans, 1 black beans, 1 pinto beans recommended), drained and rinsed
3 cups beef broth (or 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup pilsner beer)

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Instructions

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, fry the bacon until crispy. Drain on a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
Keep the bacon grease in the pan. Sauté the yellow onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, and carrots until soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef and brown it gently, without breaking it up too much, for 8 to 10 minutes until cooked through.
Stir in the brown sugar, salt, pepper, and all spices, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes before adding the crushed tomatoes and cooking for another 2 minutes.
Add the cooked bacon, beans, and broth (and beer, if using). Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve in bowls with desired garnishes.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño and cayenne pepper.
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of beef broth and pilsner beer.