This classic homemade chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a robust blend of spices, this recipe delivers warmth and comfort in every bite. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or preparing for a game day gathering, this chili is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The best part? It's simple to prepare and can easily be customized to your taste.
Brown the beef. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Sauté onions and garlic. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add spices. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir the spices into the beef and onion mixture to coat everything in the seasoning.
Combine beans and tomatoes. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
Simmer. Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season. After 30 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid for the last 10 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
Serve. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Let the chili simmer longer if you have the time. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavors will become. Add more cayenne pepper or even fresh jalapeños for extra heat. For a chunkier chili, you can add diced bell peppers or corn. Chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance and reheat it when you're ready to serve.