Hearty Homemade Chili
This Hearty Homemade Chili is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and hearty beans for a meal the whole family will love. Inspired by traditional recipes, this chili boasts a rich flavor profile without being overly spicy, making it the perfect introduction to chili for those who prefer milder tastes. With minimal prep work and a low simmer time, you can enjoy this nutritious one-dish meal that’s easily customizable. Add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños to elevate your bowl of goodness!
N/A
Servings
267
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground beef
1 lb (raw)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (fresh)
garlic clove
1 clove (finely chopped)
diced tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can (undrained)
tomato sauce
1 (8-ounce) can (none)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
kidney beans or pinto beans
1 (15-16 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Instructions
1
In a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped garlic until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
After one hour, stir in the rinsed and drained kidney or pinto beans. Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili reaches your desired thickness.
5
To freeze, allow the chili to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a quart-size freezer bag. Remove any air and lay it flat on a cookie sheet to freeze. Once frozen, you can store it upright or stacked horizontally for easy storage.
6
To reheat frozen chili, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Transfer the thawed chili to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Homemade Chili?
Hearty Homemade Chili is a comforting dish made with tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and beans, designed to be a nutritious and satisfying one-dish meal.
Is this chili recipe spicy?
No, this chili is designed to be mild and rich in flavor without being overly spicy, making it great for families.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of extra lean ground beef.
What kinds of beans can I use?
You can use either kidney beans or pinto beans for this recipe.
How long does it take to cook the ground beef?
The ground beef, onion, and garlic should be cooked over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should add the diced tomatoes to the saucepan undrained.
What spices are included in this chili?
The spices used are chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
How long should the chili simmer initially?
The mixture should simmer covered on low heat for 1 hour.
Should the chili be covered while simmering?
It should be covered for the first hour and then uncovered for the final 10 minutes after adding the beans.
When do I add the beans to the chili?
Add the rinsed and drained beans after the initial 1 hour simmer.
How long do I cook the chili after adding the beans?
Simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes after adding the beans.
Can I freeze this homemade chili?
Yes, this chili is a great freezer meal.
How do I prepare the chili for freezing?
Allow it to cool to room temperature, transfer to a freezer bag, remove air, and lay flat to freeze.
What is the best way to thaw frozen chili?
Thaw the frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight.
How do I reheat the chili?
Transfer thawed chili to a pot and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
How much protein is in this chili?
This recipe provides 20g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There is 8g of fat per serving in this chili.
What size saucepan is recommended?
A 3-quart saucepan is recommended for preparing this recipe.
Do I need to drain the meat after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the beef, onion, and garlic.
How much onion is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of fresh chopped onion.
How much garlic is used?
One finely chopped garlic clove is used in the recipe.
Can I customize this chili?
Yes, it is easily customizable with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños.
How much chili powder should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
What amount of cumin is needed?
You will need 3/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, with minimal prep work and simple instructions, it is an easy recipe for any cook.
How do I make the chili thicker?
Simmering the chili uncovered for the final 10 minutes helps it reach your desired thickness.
What size cans of tomatoes and sauce are used?
Use a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes and an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, its mild flavor profile and hearty ingredients make it a favorite for the whole family.
Can I store the freezer bags upright?
Once the bags are frozen flat, they can be stored upright or stacked horizontally to save space.