Homemade Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring tender ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day, this simple dish offers a savory combination of chili powder, tomato juice, and onions, appealing to family and friends alike for a satisfying, homemade dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the browned and drained hamburger meat into a kettle.
- Add chopped onion, chili hot beans, and chili powder to the kettle.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the tomato juice to the kettle.
- Add more tomato juice if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Add salt to taste and a dash of black pepper.
- Serve the chili hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the mix. If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of tomato juice or add a tablespoon of cornmeal. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger meat if you're looking for a leaner option. For an extra kick, mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with a side of Runzas for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Adding a splash of tomato juice can help restore moisture if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Chili contains roughly 644 calories, with 19g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), iron (79% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1492mg per serving (65% 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 advance?
Yes, this chili can be made a day ahead. In fact, the flavors tend to deepen and improve after sitting for a while. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
What can I add to make it vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the hamburger meat with a mix of lentils, black beans, or additional chili hot beans. Adding diced vegetables like zucchini and corn can also enhance the texture and flavor while keeping it hearty.
How can I adjust the spice level of the chili?
You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder you use. For a milder chili, reduce the chili powder, or use a mild variety. If you prefer it spicier, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños during cooking to ramp up the heat.
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).