Best Damn Chili Recipe (Easy Hearty Homemade Chili)
Make the best damn chili with rich spices, hearty ingredients, and bold flavor. Easy homemade chili recipe perfect for cozy dinners or game day!
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- Ground beef (or chuck)
- Onions, garlic, peppers
- Crushed tomatoes
- Kidney beans and black beans
- Beef broth
- Chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne
- Salt and pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado
Instructions
- Brown Meat: Cook ground beef in a heavy pot until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onions, garlic, and peppers. Cook until softened.
- Toast Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Toast briefly to release aroma.
- Add Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well.
- Add Beans: Stir in kidney and black beans.
- Simmer: Cover and cook on low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spice level.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with toppings of choice.
Notes
- Browning meat properly builds flavor—don’t skip this step.
- Toasting spices before adding liquids enhances depth.
- Beans should be added after the simmer begins to avoid breaking down.
- Chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- For a smoky twist, add chipotle peppers in adobo.
- Texas-style chili skips beans entirely for a meat-forward version.