Homemade Chili Recipe

Introduction

This homemade chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. With a blend of spices and tender ground meat, it brings warmth and richness to your table in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 2 small green peppers (about 2 cups diced)
• 1 small yellow onion (about 1 ½ cups diced)
• 2 cans diced tomatoes (15-ounce cans)
• 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
• 1 can tomato paste (6 ounces)
• 15 ounces water
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15-ounce cans)
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 3 tablespoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, sauté the diced green peppers and onions over medium heat until translucent and beginning to caramelize.
2. Step 2: Add all the seasonings except the baking soda. Stir continuously and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, making sure the spices do not burn.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef or turkey and brown it until just cooked through. It is okay if some pink remains before adding the remaining ingredients.
4. Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook for about 15 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add the drained kidney beans and stir them in.
7. Step 7: Stir in the baking soda, if using. The sauce will bubble up; continue stirring over medium heat until the bubbles subside.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and serve your delicious homemade chili.

Tips & Variations

• Keep stirring frequently to prevent the spices from burning and ensure even cooking.
• You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
• Adding baking soda helps reduce the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother flavor.
• For extra heat, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make the ground meat ahead of time and freeze it to save time when preparing this chili.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans other than kidney beans?

Yes, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or any other canned beans you prefer. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the chili.

Is it necessary to add baking soda?

No, baking soda is optional. It helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes and reduces any bitterness, but the chili will still taste great without it.

Homemade Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

A hearty and flavorful homemade chili recipe featuring ground beef or turkey, fresh vegetables, beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, this chili is cooked on the stovetop and includes tips for reducing tomato acidity and achieving rich, well-developed flavors.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Soups & Stews
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 2 pounds ground beef or turkey

Vegetables

• 2 small green peppers, about 2 cups diced
• 1 small yellow onion, about 1 ½ cups diced

Canned Goods & Liquids

• 2 cans diced tomatoes (15-ounce cans)
• 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 15 ounces water
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15-ounce cans)

Spices & Seasonings

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 3 tablespoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large dutch oven, sauté the diced green peppers and yellow onions until they become translucent and start to caramelize, which enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.
2. Add Spices: Add all the seasonings except the baking soda, and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring continuously to release their aromas and develop depth in the chili. Take care to avoid burning the spices.
3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until it is mostly browned but may still have some pink. This ensures it finishes cooking thoroughly with the other ingredients and stays tender.
4. Add Tomato Ingredients and Water: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and tomato paste into the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer and Add Beans: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors. Then, stir in the drained kidney beans.
6. Incorporate Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda, which will cause the sauce to bubble up as it reacts to reduce tomato acidity. Continue stirring over medium heat until the bubbling subsides.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove the chili from the heat and serve hot, ready to enjoy a rich and comforting meal.

Notes

• Keep stirring constantly when cooking the spices and vegetables to prevent burning.
• Ground beef can be prepared ahead of time in large batches and frozen for convenience. Pre-cooked ground beef can also be used.
• Adding baking soda helps to neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes, making the chili smoother in flavor.

Keywords: homemade chili, ground beef chili, turkey chili, stovetop chili, easy chili recipe, kidney beans chili, spicy chili