Easy Homemade Chili Recipe: A Delicious One-Pot Meal Ready in 20 Minutes

When the weather turns chilly or you need a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together quickly, this easy homemade chili recipe is the perfect solution. With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and just 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. This crowd-pleasing chili strikes the perfect balance of savory flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Chili

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of homemade chili. This particular recipe has stood the test of time for good reason—it delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender kidney beans, and a perfectly spiced tomato base creates a meal that satisfies on every level. Whether you’re a chili connoisseur or making it for the first time, this recipe offers the perfect foundation that can be customized to your taste preferences.

What makes this chili recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. Unlike many chili recipes that require hours of simmering, this version delivers rich, developed flavors in just 20 minutes of cooking time. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you want something substantial and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The straightforward preparation also makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels—even beginners can achieve delicious results.

Homemade Chili Ingredients

One of the beauties of this recipe is its short, accessible ingredient list. You’ll likely have most of these items in your pantry and refrigerator already, making this an excellent option for last-minute meal planning. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting:

The Basics

• Ground Beef: One pound of ground beef serves as the protein foundation. Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for the best flavor without excessive fat. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option without sacrificing the hearty texture.
• Onion: One medium yellow or white onion, finely chopped. Cooking the onion with the beef adds essential flavor depth and aromatic qualities to your chili.

Canned Goods

• Tomato Sauce: One 8-ounce can provides the smooth tomato base for your chili.
• Stewed Tomatoes: One 14.5-ounce can adds texture and rich tomato flavor. These pre-seasoned tomatoes contribute additional depth to the dish.
• Kidney Beans: One 16-ounce can, drained and rinsed. These beans add heartiness, texture, and nutritional value to the chili.

Seasonings

• Chili Powder: Two tablespoons provide the signature chili flavor. Adjust according to your spice preference.
• Garlic Powder: Half a teaspoon adds aromatic garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the other flavors. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to taste.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Another advantage of this recipe is its minimal equipment requirements. You’ll only need:

• A large skillet or pot with a lid
• A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring spoons
• A can opener

How to Make Homemade Chili: Step-by-Step Instructions

Following this streamlined process will have your chili ready to serve in just 20 minutes. The recipe strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, making it accessible for cooks of all experience levels.

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion

Begin by placing a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the pot. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks, stirring frequently to ensure even browning. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, and the onions have become translucent and soft. This process typically takes about 5-7 minutes.

If you’ve used a higher fat content ground beef, you may want to drain any excess grease at this point. For leaner beef (90/10), you can usually skip this step as there won’t be much excess fat to drain.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Once your beef and onions are properly cooked, it’s time to incorporate the remaining ingredients. Add the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes (with their juice), and kidney beans to the pot. Stir well to combine with the beef mixture.

Next, add your seasonings: chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chili. The chili powder not only adds heat but also contributes the complex flavor profile that makes chili so distinctive.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer

Increase the heat to high and bring the chili to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for approximately 15 minutes.

This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Though brief compared to traditional chili recipes, this 15-minute simmer is sufficient to develop a delicious flavor profile while keeping the recipe quick and convenient.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference. Remember that you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away once it’s been added, so increase gradually.

Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Chili

While this chili is delicious on its own, part of the fun is customizing it with various toppings and sides. Here are some popular serving ideas to enhance your chili experience:

Traditional Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend will melt beautifully on top of hot chili.
• Sour Cream: A dollop adds cooling creaminess that balances the heat of the chili.
• Chopped Green Onions: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color.
• Diced Avocado: Contributes a buttery texture and mild flavor that complements the spicy chili.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous note (though this is polarizing—some people love it, others don’t).
• Jalapeño Slices: For those who want to add extra heat.

Complementary Side Dishes

• Cornbread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for sopping up the flavorful chili sauce.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve on the side for scooping or crumbled on top for added crunch.
• Green Salad: A light, crisp salad provides textural contrast to the hearty chili.
• Baked Potato: Turn your chili into a loaded baked potato topping for a filling meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the many benefits of chili is how well it keeps and reheats, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your homemade chili:

Refrigerator Storage

Allow your chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Properly stored in the refrigerator, your chili will last for about four days. Make sure to use shallow containers that allow for quick cooling to minimize the time the chili spends in the temperature danger zone.

Freezer Storage

This chili freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. After cooling completely, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. Label with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Methods

Stovetop: The preferred method for reheating chili is on the stovetop. Place the chili in a pot over medium heat, adding a small amount of water or beef broth if it seems too thick. Stir occasionally until the chili reaches 165°F throughout.

Microwave: For single servings, microwave in a covered microwave-safe bowl on high power, stirring halfway through the heating time. Heat until steaming hot throughout, usually 2-3 minutes depending on your microwave’s power.

Customization Options and Variations

While this basic recipe is delicious as written, chili is a versatile dish that welcomes adaptation. Here are some popular ways to customize this recipe:

Spice Level Adjustments

• Mild: Reduce the chili powder to 1 tablespoon.
• Medium: Use the recipe as written with 2 tablespoons of chili powder.
• Hot: Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onions, or include a dash of cayenne pepper with the seasonings.
• Extra Hot: Add diced habanero peppers or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to really bring the heat.

Protein Alternatives

• Ground Turkey: A leaner option that works well with the same seasonings.
• Vegetarian: Omit the meat and double the beans, or add a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Mixed Meats: Use half ground beef and half Italian sausage for added flavor complexity.

Additional Ingredients

• Bell Peppers: Add diced green or red bell peppers with the onions.
• Corn: Stir in a cup of frozen or canned corn (drained) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Additional Beans: Mix in black beans or pinto beans along with the kidney beans for variety.
• Beer: Replace some of the tomato sauce with a half cup of beer for depth of flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: A teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder adds remarkable depth to chili.

Nutrition Information

This homemade chili provides a balanced meal with protein from the beef and beans, along with fiber and various nutrients from the vegetables and beans. A typical serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:

Values will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Brown the beef and onions as directed, 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 even more deeply.

Q: How can I thicken my chili if it’s too watery?

A: If your chili is thinner than you’d like, you have several options. You can simmer it uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste, or create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering chili.

Q: Can I make this chili ahead of time for a party?

A: Absolutely! In fact, chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Make it up to two days ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: The basic recipe ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check individual product labels, particularly for the chili powder and other seasonings, as some may contain gluten additives or be processed in facilities that handle gluten.

Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and double the beans (use two cans of kidney beans or mix with black beans). You can also add a cup of diced vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for additional texture and nutrients.

This easy homemade chili recipe proves that delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes of cooking time, you can create a versatile dish that’s perfect for everything from casual family dinners to game day gatherings. The simple preparation and endless customization options make this a recipe you’ll return to again and again, adapting it to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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