What’s in this Easy Chili Recipe?
This classic chili recipe is filled with both beef and pork, beans, and lots of other ingredients that create the most delicious dish. It’s mostly pantry staples so your shopping list won’t be too long!
Pork Sausage Meat: Look for ground sausage meat in a roll without the casings. If you can’t find it, you can buy pork sausages and remove the casings. Yellow Onion: Adds an earthy flavor and a touch of sweetness. If you like red onions, I recommend saving them for a topping instead. Garlic: Adds an earthy flavor and a pungent aroma. If you love garlic, feel free to add more than 1 clove. Ground Chuck: Has more fat than ground beef, so it adds much more flavor. However, you can substitute the latter if you prefer. Tomato Sauce: This is the base of the saucey component. Diced Tomatoes: Add texture and additional flavor to the broth. Water: Helps thin the broth to the right consistency. Beans: This chili uses a combination of black beans and red kidney beans. Vinegar: The acid in vinegar helps to balance everything out and brighten up the flavor for a finishing touch. You can use any kind of vinegar or cider vinegar. Worcestershire Sauce: This is tangy, salty, and sweet all in one, so it adds a nice overall flavor. Chili Seasoning: Make your own chili seasoning if you don’t have any on hand. It’s a mix of chili powder, paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, and a few other herbs and spices. Ketchup: This is a great way to enhance the flavor, as it contains both sugar and vinegar (sweet and acidic). Yellow Mustard: Mustard adds tanginess to the flavor. Salt + Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the dish.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the vinegar! It really makes this chili pop!
Variations on Homemade Chili
The great thing about chili is how endlessly adaptable it is! There are so many different kinds of chili, and different cultures make it differently. This is my personal favorite recipe, but try some of these popular variations to make it your own. Try swapping out the beef and pork for turkey and/or chicken for a healthier, lighter option. For vegetarian chili, omit the meat and add more beans, lentils, or even tofu! Or get adventurous and try chili made with buffalo meat or seafood! For a Texas-style chili con carne, omit the beans and pork. and for Cincinnati chili, serve it over a bed of spaghetti topped with cheese, onions, and beans!
How to Store and Reheat
Let the beef chili cool to room temperature before storing. Then, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavor really intensifies as it “marinates” in the fridge, so it’ll taste even better the next day. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring often, until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Place leftovers in airtight, freezer-safe containers (or a freezer-safe resealable bag to freeze flat). It will keep in the freezer for 4-6 months. Thaw it in the fridge and then reheat it to eat!
Serving Suggestions
This classic, hearty, homemade chili is plenty filling on its own. I always add some cornbread, dinner rolls, or hearty sandwich bread to go along with it. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making baked chili dogs or chili mac and cheese!
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