The Ultimate Homemade Chili Recipe
The Ultimate Homemade Chili is your go-to for a hearty meal that hits the spot every time.
Whether you’re looking for something to make for dinner, planning a tailgating party, or just need something spicy to liven up your meal planning, this chili is a great choice!
It’s freezer friendly, too, so making a big batch means you’ve got deliciousness ready whenever you are.
The secret’s in the mix of ground beef, sausage, a variety of beans, and spices that blend to create a fantastic meal.
It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager for a bowl of warm, comforting chili.
If you’d like some Tips and Tricks, I have them below the recipe.
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The Ultimate Homemade Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef chuck
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 3 cans (16oz) chili beans drained
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans in spicy sauce
- 2 cans (28oz each) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (6oz) tomato paste
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 1 large yellow onions chopped
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 2 green chili peppers seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon bacon bites
- 4 cubes beef bouillon
- ½ cup beer
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 bag (10.5oz) corn chips
- 1 package (8oz) shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Place a large stock pot on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Crumble the ground chuck and sausage into the pot, cooking until it's evenly browned.
- Drain off any excess grease from the pot.
- Add the chili beans, spicy chili beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pot.
- Then, add the onion, celery, green and red bell peppers, chili peppers, bacon bits, bouillon, and beer into the pot.
- Season with chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, cumin, hot pepper sauce, basil, salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, and sugar.
- Stir everything together, cover the pot, and let it simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours. Remember to stir it now and then.
- After 2 hours, taste the chili and adjust the salt, pepper, and chili powder if needed.
- Once it's ready, take the pot off the heat. You can serve it right away or keep it in the fridge to serve the next day.
- To serve, scoop the chili into bowls and top it with corn chips and shredded Cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
Tips and Tricks
Brown the Meat Well: Don’t rush the browning process of your ground beef and sausage. Getting a good caramelization on the meat provides a rich, deep flavor base.
Deglaze with Beer: After browning the meat and before adding the beans and tomatoes, pour in the beer to help lift any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. This not only makes cleaning easier later but also incorporates those tasty bits into your chili for more flavor.
Layer the Spices: Add half of your spices when you add the meat back to the pot and the other half midway through cooking. This method helps maintain the vibrancy of the spices throughout the cooking process.
Slow Cook: If you have the time, let your chili simmer on low heat for a few hours longer than suggested, or use a slow cooker set on low. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together. Just keep an eye on the moisture level and add a bit of water or broth if it gets too thick.
Mash Some Beans: For a thicker texture, take a cup of the chili beans and mash them before adding them back into the pot. This natural thickener works wonders without altering the flavor.
Finish with Freshness: Before serving, consider adding a fresh element like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime to brighten the dish.
Reheat with Care: If you’ve stored your chili overnight (which often enhances the flavors), reheat it slowly on the stove, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. This gradual reheating helps preserve the flavors and textures.
Customize Your Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, green onions, or even homemade guacamole to let your guests customize their bowl.
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