Hearty Homemade Chili
Comforting and satisfying, this Hearty Homemade Chili recipe is bound to become a family favorite. It is savory enough for the adults, mild enough for the kiddos and will keep you warm on this chilly nights.
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As I was making this Hearty Homemade Chili It dawned on me just how few people cook beans from scratch anymore. A small part of me understands because there is this perception that cooking beans is difficult. Somewhere along the line we excepted the premise that food preparation has to be fast in order to be easy. Here is the interesting thing, making a pot of beans from scratch is in no way fast but it is literally one of the easiest meals I have ever made and that includes this Hearty Homemade Chili. The beans usually take 2 hours to simmer and take minimal supervision. While my beans are cooking I am usually paying bills, cleaning house or watching a movie. How’s that for simple? Some of the biggest reasons why  I love making beans from scratch is that it eliminates the worry about BPA, aluminum and preservatives. We make this Hearty Homemade Chili about 5 times a year and we always have extra in the freezer because it goes great on nachos, my family’s Tortilla and Beans and just wonderful as a big bowl by itself.
Tips for Hearty Homemade Chili:
- Yes there is a time investment on this Hearty Homemade Chili but trust me, it is extremely easy to make.
- The secret to cooking beans is to bring them to a boil in plenty of water. Once they boil lower the temp to a low simmer, cover with a lid and stir 1 or 2 times an hour.
- Generally beans will take 1 to 2 hours to cook. Some beans, like garbanzo, Â could take up to 3 to 4 hours. Just make sure to check your beans at least once an hour. They will be done when they are tender enough to eat. When they are close to being done, check a little more often.
- I am not a big fan of presoaking my beans. I grew up in house where we presoaked and I carried that over into cooking beans in my early adulthood. Within the last 10 years I stopped presoaking and honestly I never saw a difference and the beans still cooked beautifully.
- Another trick is don’t salt the beans while cooking as it will slow down the cooking process. I will usually wait and add the salt at the very end of cooking the chili or I let people salt their own servings.
- Don’t be intimidated by the amount of spices. Beans are so bland they really do need a significant amount of seasoning. Also, by using the Mexican spices rather than a store bought spice packet you are eliminating all kinds of chemicals and MSG.
- You can use either ground beef or ground turkey for this recipe. Both taste great.
- Here are the steps to making this Hearty Homemade Chili: 1) Cook & drain beans. 2) Sauté onions, meat, garlic and spices. Add to beans. 3) Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and remaining spices. Simmer for about 45 mins.
- Doubling this recipe will make enough chili to fill about 4 quart size freezer bags. Each quart size bag will serve about 2-3 people.
Top photo: Cooked beans. Bottom photo: sautéed ground turkey with onion, garlic and spices. What to Serve With Chili
- Cornbread- The slight sweetness of cornbread balances out the spices in chili. The two foods really complement each other well.
- Cole Slaw- The creaminess and crunch of coleslaw provides contrast to the spicy heat of chili. It helps cool your mouth.
- Biscuits- Buttery biscuits complement the robust, savory flavors of the chili ingredients.
- Rice- The rice soaks up all the rich, spicy juices and flavors from the chili, adding even more taste.
Great Toppings
Toppings can take your chili to the next level. Here are some delicious options:
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese- The classic choice, adding creaminess and tang.
- Sour Cream-Â A dollop of sour cream cools down the heat and adds a delightful richness.
- Chopped Green Onions- A fresh and zesty touch that complements the flavors.
- Sliced Jalapeños- For those who crave extra heat and a pop of color.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips- Adds a satisfying crunch and texturAvocado Slices:** Creamy and slightly nutty, avocados pair perfectly with chili.
- Lime Wedges- A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
 Variations of Homemade Hearty Chili
- Turkey Chili- Use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Vegetarian Chili- Omit the meat and use extra beans.Â
- White Chicken Chili- Use chicken breast instead of beef or turkey, and add white beans and green chilies for a milder, creamy chili.
- Green Chili- Use tomatillos instead of tomatoes for a tangy flavor.
- Texas Red Chili- Use chunks of beef instead of ground beef.
- Five Alarm Chili- Use extra hot chile peppers and cayenne for intense hea
- Smoky Chipotle Chili- Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Sweet Potato Chili- Incorporate cubed sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Three-Bean Chili- Use a mix of black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans for variety and texture.
- Chili Mac and Cheese- Serve your chili over macaroni and top with shredded cheese for a comforting twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the chili keep?
The chili will keep for 3-4 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It also freezes well for 2-3 months.
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can substitute 2-3 cans of red kidney beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained, instead of cooking dry beans from scratch. Just add them when you add the meat mixture.
What kind of chili powder works best?
Look for a chili powder blend with a mix of chili peppers like ancho, chipotle, and arbol. This will give the chili a complex, rich flavor.Â
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely! Add an extra tablespoon of chili powder, or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. After browning the meat and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Hearty Homemade Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb small red chili beans
- 2 quarts water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 med brown onion *diced, about 1 heaping cup
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 3 lg garlic cloves *minced or crushed
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp coriander
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 18- 20 oz diced tomatoes
- 12 oz tomato sauce
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse beans and place in stockpot with approximately 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil and then lower heat to a very slow simmer. Cover and cook until beans are tender enough to eat- about 1-2 hours. Once cooked drain beans of extra liquid. Set aside
- In a large frying pan over med/high heat sauté onions in oil until sweating. Add meat. Using a stiff spatula stir and break apart into smaller pieces. Add garlic and continue stirring occasionally. Once meat is almost done add half of the spices and cook for another 2 mins stirring constantly.
- Add meat mixture, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and remaining spices to beans. Bring to a simmer over med heat. Continue simmering for approximately 45 mins stirring consistently until thick in consistency. Within the last few of cooking add salt and stir well.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe is part of Meal Plan Monday.
