If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the soul and satisfies the belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Homemade Chili is one of my all-time favorites. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, but it’s also a hit at family gatherings and game day parties. The rich flavors develop beautifully as it simmers, making each bowl a comforting hug on a chilly evening.

What makes this chili truly special is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a batch that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy it topped with cheese and sour cream or prefer it straight from the pot, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can start cooking and relax while your chili simmers.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the delicious flavors—perfect for picky eaters!
Make-ahead convenience: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
One-pot wonder: Less mess means more time spent enjoying your meal with loved ones!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Easy Homemade Chili, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll gather for this delicious dish:

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion (diced)
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 pound ground beef sausage (I use Jimmy Dean)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes (petite, undrained)
4 cups tomato juice
1 cup ketchup
2 15 ounce cans pinto beans (undrained)
1 16 ounce can kidney beans (undrained)
1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
3 Tablespoons chili powder
¾ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you want it spicier)
cornmeal (to thicken, if desired)
shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
sour cream (optional)

Variations

This Easy Homemade Chili is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:

Swap the protein: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and sweetness.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the meat with extra beans or lentils for a hearty plant-based version.
Adjust the heat: Increase the cayenne or add diced jalapeños to spice things up according to your taste!

How to Make Easy Homemade Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Start by adding the olive oil to a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the diced onions. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This step is key because cooking the onions enhances their sweetness and builds a flavorful base for your chili.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Next, add both the ground beef and sausage to the pot. Cook them together, breaking them apart into small pieces with a meat chopper or wooden spoon until nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease—this keeps your chili from becoming too oily.

Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Once your meat is browned, pour in the apple cider vinegar and let it cook for about 1 minute. Then add in those juicy diced tomatoes, tomato juice, ketchup, pinto beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together; this combination creates that rich flavor we all love!

Step 4: Simmer Away

Bring your mixture to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer over medium-low heat for at least one hour—longer if you have time! The longer it simmers, the thicker and more flavorful it becomes. If you’d like an even thicker consistency, simply stir in some cornmeal towards the end.

Step 5: Serve It Up

When you’re ready to serve this delightful chili, ladle it into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy every warm bite with family or friends—it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Chili

Making chili is a wonderful way to embrace your inner chef, and with these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a crowd-pleaser!

Choose Quality Meat: Using lean ground beef ensures your chili is hearty without being overly greasy. This helps achieve the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Let It Simmer: The longer you let your chili simmer, the more the flavors meld together. Aim for at least 1 hour; however, if you have the time, 3 hours will yield an even richer taste.
Adjust Spice Levels: Start with the recommended cayenne pepper and adjust according to your heat preference. This way, you can cater to both mild and spicy palates in one pot!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and tomatoes can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your chili. Opt for fresh when possible to elevate the dish.
Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix up the types of beans used. Black beans or cannellini beans can add unique textures and flavors that make your chili stand out.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Chili

Serving your homemade chili can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this delicious dish in style.

Garnishes

Chopped Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color that brightens up each bowl.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado provides a lovely contrast to the hearty chili, making each bite smooth and rich.
Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro enhances the flavor while adding a touch of freshness that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: This classic pairing is perfect for soaking up all that chili goodness. Its slight sweetness balances the spice of the chili perfectly.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for dipping or topping off your bowl of chili, adding a fun texture contrast.
Rice: A simple side of fluffy rice helps to mellow out the heat from the spices while making your meal more filling.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw brings a cool crunch that offsets the warm spices, creating a delightful combination on your plate.

Now you’re all set to make and serve this Easy Homemade Chili like a pro! Enjoy every savory bite as you share it with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Homemade Chili is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week, making dinner a breeze!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Leftover chili can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Let the chili cool down to room temperature.
Portion out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I make Easy Homemade Chili without meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and sausage with your favorite plant-based alternatives or simply add more beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.

How long does it take to make Easy Homemade Chili?

The total time is about 140 minutes, including prep and cook time. However, you can let it simmer longer for deeper flavors, making it even better!

What toppings go well with Easy Homemade Chili?

You can top your chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or jalapeños for an extra kick. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Easy Homemade Chili! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings people together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying some cozy leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or variations—happy cooking!