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The Best Homemade Chili Recipe

Hearty homemade chili with ground beef and beans in a white Dutch oven on a marble countertop

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This best homemade chili recipe is rich, hearty, and packed with ground beef, beans, and bold spices. A cozy one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (28 oz) can chili-style diced tomatoes

  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

  • 12 cans beans (kidney, black, or pinto), drained

  • 1 ½ cups beef broth or water

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder

  • 2 tablespoons cumin

  • 2 tablespoons paprika

  • 2 tablespoons onion powder

  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.

  • Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

  • Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cocoa powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

  • Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.

  • Stir in brown sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Simmer longer for deeper flavor and thicker chili

  • Add a splash of vinegar or lime juice at the end to brighten flavors

  • Chili tastes even better the next day

  • Easily adaptable for crockpot cooking (6–8 hours on low)

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