Easy Homemade Chili - Magic Food

Easy Homemade Chili for Busy Weeknights

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili on a chilly night. It’s hearty, flavorful, and can be easily customized to your taste preferences. Plus, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. This easy homemade chili recipe from Allrecipes is perfect for those times when you need a quick and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chili recipe is a winner for several reasons:

Simple Ingredients: It uses pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, like ground beef, canned tomatoes, and beans.
Minimal Prep Time: With only 10 minutes of prep work, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful: Despite its simplicity, this chili delivers big on flavor. The combination of ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and spices creates a satisfying and comforting dish.
Customizable: Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Want it spicier? Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer a different bean? Kidney beans are great, but black beans, pinto beans, or a combination would also work well.
Scalable: Need to feed a crowd? Simply double or triple the recipe.
Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for later.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 ½ cups water, or as needed (Optional)
1 pinch chili powder, or more to taste
1 pinch garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Instructions:

Prep the Ingredients: Chop the onion. Rinse and drain the kidney beans.
Brown the Beef: Place the ground beef and chopped onion in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until the meat is browned and the onion is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Simmer the Chili: Stir in the tomato sauce, kidney beans, stewed tomatoes with their juice, and water (if desired for a thinner consistency). Season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy! Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, sliced avocado, and jalapenos.

Beyond the Basics

This recipe is a great starting point for your homemade chili adventures. Here are some ideas to take your chili to the next level:

Meat Variations: While ground beef is the classic choice, you can also use ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even shredded leftover cooked chicken or pork.
Bean Bonanza: Explore different types of beans! Pinto beans, black beans, chickpeas, or a combination can add variety in protein, texture, and flavor.
Veggie Power Up: Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrients.
Spice It Up: If you like things hot, kick up the heat with jalapenos, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Toppings Galore: Chili is a blank canvas for toppings! Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, sliced avocado, and jalapenos are all popular options.
The Brothy Question: This recipe calls for a simple addition of water if you prefer a thinner consistency. However, you can also experiment with using beef broth or chicken broth for added depth of flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Chili

Brown the Beef: Don’t skip browning the ground beef. This step adds depth of flavor to your chili.
Drain the Fat: While some fat adds flavor, draining some of the excess fat from the browned beef can help keep your chili from being greasy.
Simmering Secrets: Simmering allows the flavors to meld and develop. For a richer chili, simmer for longer, up to an hour.
Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste your chili throughout the cooking process and adjust the spices to your preference.

A Chili for Every Occasion

This easy homemade chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas:

Weeknight Dinner: Serve it with a side of cornbread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Game Day Grub: This chili is perfect for a casual get-together. Make a big batch and let your guests customize their bowls with their favorite toppings.
Cozy Night In: Curl up on the couch with a bowl of chili and a good movie for a relaxing night in.
Tailgating Treat: Chili is a hearty option to take to your next sporting event. Keep it warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.

This easy homemade chili recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a comforting bowl of chili on any night of the week. With its simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and endless customization possibilities, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your favorite bowl, and get ready to simmer up a pot of pure comfort food!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

394	Calories
9g	Fat
49g	Carbs
31g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 394
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g	12%
Saturated Fat 4g	18%
Cholesterol 46mg	15%
Sodium 526mg	23%
Total Carbohydrate 49g	18%
Dietary Fiber 18g	64%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 31g	61%
Vitamin C 16mg	18%
Calcium 151mg	12%
Iron 8mg	44%
Potassium 1061mg	23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.