Brittany Kline | Updated Recipes
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What is better in the winter than a good Homemade Chili Recipe?
Chili is a beloved dish in the winter months, and this easy homemade chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
And if you’ve been searching for a good “standard” chili that everyone will like, look no further! This is it- and it’s easy!
My mom cut this easy chili recipe out of a newspaper in the early ’90s, and it’s been our ‘family chili’ recipe ever since.
From Super Bowl parties to chili cook-offs, chili is woven into the fabric of American winter culture. And for good reason, it’s awesome, and there are so many variations.
It’s perfect for any occasion, from game day gatherings to cozy nights at home. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!
Table of Contents
Easy Chili Recipe
There might be a few ingredients you are’t used to seeing in chili, like cinnamon and chocolate chips (a Cincinnati chili influence), but trust me – they work!
This recipe is very similar to myCrockpot Chili Recipe, but there are minor differences and this homemade chili recipe is designed to be made on the stovetop. Which means it can beready to eat sooner.
And like I said – this is easy.
Chopping the onions is probably the hardest part.
One of the most important steps is to cook the onions as the ground beef cooks. Add a bit of salt at this step to soften the onions.
After the onions are soft and the beef is cooked, add the garlic and cook for another couple of minutes.
Drain the beef, and then add everything else except for the kidney beans and simmer for an hour or so. And yeah – even add those chocolate chips and cinnamon (you will thank me).
Then add the kidney beans and cook for another half hour. Top with cheese, serve cornbread or whatever you’d like!
Homemade Chili Recipe
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Servings: 8
Author: Brittany Kline
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. hamburger or turkey
- 1 can of red kidney beans rinsed (15 oz)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
- 1 can of water 28 oz
- 1 large onion minced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced or pressed
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional - depends on how spicy you want it
- 1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp chocolate chips
Instructions
Over medium heat, cook ground meat in a large pan with the minced onion until browned. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Drain the meat.
In a large sauce pan or stock pot over medium heat, add meat (with the onions and garlic) and mix with all other remaining ingredients except the kidney beans.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until you've reached the desired thickness (or if using a slow cooker, cook on high for 4 hours).
Add kidney beans and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Top with shredded cheese & sour cream and serve with a side of cornbread.
FAQs
Can this crock pot chili recipe be made on a stovetop instead?
Absolutely, this crock pot chili recipe has been adapted for stovetop use, ensuring it’s ready to enjoy much quicker while still delivering the rich, comforting flavors chili is known for.
The process involves simmering the ingredients together on the stove, a method that not only speeds up cooking time but also allows for easy adjustments to the seasoning as you go.
This adaptation means you can have a warm, hearty bowl of chili any time without the longer wait times associated with slow cookers.
Is this chili recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this chili freezes beautifully in a zip lock baggie if you wan tot put the ingredients together and throw it in the crockpot to cook later.
It’s also easy to cook your chili ahead of time and freeze it for meal prep. Simply let it cool completely before transferring to a bag and freezing.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze individual portions for easy meal prep.
What toppings go well with this chili recipe?
Some popular topping options include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, jalap
Meal prepping this chili recipe enhances its convenience and flexibility, making it a stellar option for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
To prepare this recipe for the freezer, simply cool the cooked chili before pouring it into a large, resealable freezer bag. Flatten the bag for efficient storage and quick thawing. Label the bag with the cooking date to ensure freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the chili overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost function on your microwave. Transfer the chili to your crockpot, setting it on low for a warm, comforting meal ready by dinner time. This process not only saves time but also preserves the rich and hearty flavors of the chili.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this chili, simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based ground meat alternative or add extra beans and vegetables.
You might also need to increase the spices slightly to compensate for the lack of meat flavor.
How can I make this chili spicier?
If you prefer your chili with a bit more heat, you can add extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the recipe.
Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness. For jalapenos, start small and add some of the canned juice for flavor without much spice.
You can also serve the chili with hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy.
What are some toppings that go well with this chili recipe?
Some popular toppings to serve with this chili include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, and crumbled cornbread.
Kelan is also a chip fan, so you can try some corn chips for dipping or crush up sour cream and onion potato chips to give a little crunch with a seasoning that goes great with chili.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a simple yet delicious homemade chili recipe that carries the warmth of home and the richness of tradition.
This recipe, interwoven with memories and tailored with unique ingredients like cinnamon and chocolate chips, proves that comfort food can also be a canvas for creativity and new flavors.
Whether it’s gathering around the table for a family meal or enjoying a bowl while cheering on your favorite team, this chili is more than just a dish- it’s an experience.
I hope you enjoy making it as much as we do, finding both the process and the final dish a source of joy and warmth in the cold winter months.
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About Brittany Kline
Hi, I'm Brittany Kline! A organization, productivity, and home systems expert. With my master's degree in education and life experience as a mom I help other moms simplify and organize their entires lives. I have been featured in online publications like Forbes, TIME, USA Today, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Marie Claire, The Penny Hoarder, Bankrate, Nerd Wallet, CNBC, Acorns, Yahoo Finance, MSN, GoBankingRates, Her Money, Thrive Global, The Simple Dollar, Money Crashers, Readers Digest, FinCon, Best Company, Rent Cafe, Romper, Intuit Turbo, Opp Loans, CreditCards.com, Debt.com, Discover, LifeLock, Quick Sprout, Money Geek and many more! Click here to read all of my posts.
