Go Back
+ servings
Homemade Chili

Chili

All you need to make this hearty Homemade Chili recipe is one pot, some simple pantry staples and a little time.
4.50 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Freezer Friendly
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup onion small diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
  • 2 pinches chipotle powder or cayenne
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 29 ounces tomato sauce
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes petite or any size
  • 1 ½ cups dry pinto beans rinsed
  • 5 cups water more if needed during cooking
I always use Kosher salt in my kitchen! If using table salt, start with half the amount and adjust to taste, as it is much "saltier" by volume.

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over medium heat, begin browning the ground beef.  Add in the diced onions and cook until the meat is thoroughly cooked, and the onions are tender. Add in the minced garlic, cook for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat, drain off the grease and set aside.  
  • To the pot add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, water and all of the seasonings.  Add the meat mixture back in and stir well.
  • Bring the chili to a simmer, cover and reduce to low.  Continue cooking for 5-6 hours.  Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom.  Add water as needed to allow the beans to cook through.  The end result should be slightly thick.  Adjust seasonings if needed.

Notes

  • If using presoaked beans (beans that have been soaked overnight in water) cut back on the amount of water and cooking time. Start with 3 ½ cups of water and add more as needed during cooking.
  • If using canned beans cut back the water to 3 cups, adding more as needed to reach your desired consistency during the cooking process. Cut the cooking time down to 1- 1 ½ hours.
  • Instant Pot Chili directions in post above.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!