Homemade Chili 🌶️
I've been making this recipe for the last 5 years and it seems to get better and better each time! The cornbread on top really sets this Chili off too! I usually make this in
the crockpot but I changed it up with the Dutch oven pot this time!
Ingredients:
1 pound raw bacon, diced
1 large white onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
4.5 tablespoons chili powder
1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
1.5 tablespoons paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons salt
.5 teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)
.5 to 1.5 tablespoons chipolte powder (optional for spice)
2-3 pounds ground beef
1 - 14 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
1 - 14 ounce can red kidney beans rinsed and drained
1 - 24 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 - 24 ounce can diced tomatoes
Method:
1. Cook diced bacon over medium heat in a large non-stick dutch oven or pot. When bacon is almost done, add in diced onion and bell peppers and cook until softened.
2. Add in minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, chipolte powder, dried oregano, salt, and cayenne powder. Cook until aromatic.
3. Add in ground beef to bacon-onion mixture. Cook until ground beef is no longer pink. (Or cook in a separate pan & add to control amount of grease in pan)
4. Stir in beans, crushed tomatoes with juice, and diced tomatoes with juice.
5. Cover and simmer on low 1.5 hours. Add in a little water, if necessary. If cooking in the crockpot, cook on low for 3 hours.
Enjoy with your favorite toppings!
I've been making this homemade chili recipe for years, and one of the things I love most about it is how versatile it is! While my base recipe is absolutely delicious as is, sometimes I like to tweak it to suit my mood or what I have on hand. For example, if you're looking to really kick up the heat, don't be shy with the cayenne and chipotle powder. I sometimes add an extra pinch or two, or even a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the bell peppers for a fresh, fiery burst. If you prefer a milder chili, you can easily reduce or omit the spicier powders. You could also try adding a touch of brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup during the simmering stage – it helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and brings out a subtle sweetness that many find delicious, creating a more rounded flavor profile. Some of my friends even swear by a tiny piece of dark chocolate melted in towards the end for an incredibly rich, deep hue and flavor! Beyond just making it, how you serve your homemade chili can totally transform the experience. My go-to is always cornbread on top, as the original recipe mentions – there's nothing quite like it! But don't stop there. I love setting out a 'chili bar' with various toppings. Think shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, finely diced red onion, sliced avocado, or even a squeeze of lime juice for a bright finish. For those who like a crunch, crushed tortilla chips or Fritos are fantastic. Sometimes, I even serve it over rice or alongside a big, crusty piece of bread for dipping. And let's talk about that bacon! It’s not just for breakfast, my friends. The addition of diced bacon really sets this ground beef chili apart. As it cooks, it renders out that amazing smoky fat, which then flavors all the onions, peppers, and garlic as they sauté. This built-in flavor base is a game-changer and adds an incredible depth that you just can't get from ground beef alone. It's truly what makes this one of the best homemade chili recipes I've ever made. For busy weeknights, this chili is a lifesaver. It actually tastes even better the next day, once all those flavors have had more time to meld. I often make a double batch and freeze portions for quick meals later. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It reheats beautifully! Whether I'm using my trusty Dutch oven for a slow simmer on the stove or letting the crockpot do all the work, the result is always a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Give these tips a try and let me know how you make your perfect batch of homemade chili!
Love the quality 🔥