Hearty Home-Style Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and smoky spices, perfect for satisfying a crowd or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red bell pepper ⓘ
- 28 oz. can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans red kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown ground beef and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Add sliced celery, chopped green and red bell peppers, tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add the undrained kidney beans and continue simmering until thoroughly heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with a bit of smoked paprika. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or more cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot in bowls, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with Chili Corn Bread Casserole for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions until heated through. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Home-Style Chili contains roughly 1037 calories, with 42g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (188% of the Daily Value), and calcium (138% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1740mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
How can I adjust the thickness of my chili?
If your chili is too thick, add a little beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a while to allow some liquid to evaporate, thickening the mixture.
What can I serve with hearty chili?
Hearty chili goes well with cornbread, rice, or fresh crusty bread. You could also serve it over baked potatoes for a filling meal. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).