Go Back
Hearty Chili

Hearty Homemade Chili Recipe

Warm up with a hearty chili recipe made for cold weather. Thick, comforting, and filling—perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or game day.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Serving Size 6

Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs ground beef 80/20 for best flavor
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
  • 15 oz can black beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne optional, for heat
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional but cozy add-ins
  • ½ tsp cinnamon sounds wild—adds warmth, not sweetness
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar balances acidity
  • 1 cup frozen corn or diced sweet potato for extra heartiness

Instructions

  • Brown the beef
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Build the base
  • Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.
  • Season generously
  • Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir until fragrant.
  • Simmer low & slow
  • Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Thicken & taste
  • Simmer longer if you want it thicker. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Serving Ideas

  • Shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • Cornbread, biscuits, or tortilla chips
  • Over baked potatoes or rice for extra stretch

Make-It-Work Tips

Crockpot: Brown beef first, then dump everything in. Cook LOW 6–8 hours.
Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, freeze up to 3 months.
Budget stretch: Add an extra can of beans or lentils—no one notices.