Easiest and most Delicious Homemade Chili

What is better in the winter than a good, easy recipe for Homemade Chili?  From super bowl parties to chili cook-offs… chili is woven into the fabric of American winter culture.  And for good reason; it's AWESOME and there are so many variations.

And if you've been searching for a good “standard” type chili that everyone will like, look no further!  This is it.  And it's EASY!  My mom cut this recipe out of a newspaper in the early 90's, and it's been our ‘family chili' recipe ever since.  There might be a few ingredients you are not used to seeing in chili, like cinnamon and chocolate chips (a Cincinnati chili influence), but trust me – they work!

This recipe is very similar to my Crockpot Chili Recipe, but there are minor differences and this homemade chili recipe is designed to be made on the stovetop. Which means it can be ready to eat sooner.

And like I said – this is easy.

Chopping the onions is probably the hardest part.

One of the most important steps is to cook the onions as the ground beef cooks. Add a bit of salt at this step to soften the onions.

After the onions are soft and the beef is cooked, add the garlic and cook for another couple minutes. Drain the beef, and then add everything else except for the kidney beans and simmer for an hour or so. And yeah – even add those chocolate chips and cinnamon (you will thank me).

Then add the kidney beans and cook for another half hour. Top with cheese, serve corn bread or whatever you'd like!

Chili

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 8

Author: Lauren Greutman

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. hamburger or turkey
• 1 can of red kidney beans rinsed (15 oz)
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
• 1 can of water 28 oz
• 1 large onion minced
• 2 cloves of garlic minced or pressed
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional - depends on how spicy you want it
• 1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp chocolate chips

Instructions

• Over medium heat, cook ground meat in a large pan with the minced onion until browned. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
• Drain the meat.
• In a large sauce pan or stock pot over medium heat, add meat (with the onions and garlic) and mix with all other remaining ingredients except the kidney beans.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until you've reached the desired thickness (or if using a slow cooker, cook on high for 4 hours).
• Add kidney beans and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
• Top with shredded cheese & sour cream and serve with a side of cornbread.

Interested in a similar Crockpot-friendly version? Here's my Crockpot Chili Recipe that is even easier!

BONUS: Here are 3 more Slow Cooker Chili Recipes that are all different! I've got your Traditional Chili, an Amazing white Chicken Chili, and an Awesome Black Bean Chili!

I have so many other great recipes, so make sure that you check them out here.

Have you grabbed my freezer meal plans, yet? I might be biased but I think they are pretty amazing! They have saved our dinner hour for years now. Check them out!

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