Homestyle Chili
Homestyle chili offers a hearty, flavorful blend of ground beef, vegetables, and spices, making it perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings. Rich in tomatoes and beans, it's a versatile dish that satisfies cravings for bold, savory flavors with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 2 (15.5 oz.) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and drain excess fat.
- Add all remaining ingredients except the kidney beans to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans to the chili and simmer until thoroughly heated.
- Serve hot. For slow cooker, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, and use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra heat. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the beef for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, which can also complement other American recipes like the Wholesome Joes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or pairing it with dishes like the 4Th Of July Bean Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homestyle 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 1738mg 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving. It's a great option for meal prep or for a gathering.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper, or incorporate diced jalapeños or serrano peppers into the mix. A dash of hot sauce can also enhance the spiciness. Adjust the heat level according to your preference.
Can I freeze the chili?
Yes, chili freezes well! Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stovetop or microwave.
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).