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Home » Recipes

Easy Chili Recipe- The Best Homemade Chili (2025)

Brittany Kline | Updated June 6, 2025 Recipes

Are you looking for a hearty recipe to get your through cold or sick times? This easy chili recipe is so much more than that!
easy chili recipe
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Close-up image of a hearty bowl of chili with red kidney beans and ground beef, with a bold text overlay that reads “Best Ever Easy Chili Recipe.” This pin promotes a cozy, flavorful homemade chili perfect for winter or game day.

Chili is a beloved dish in the winter months, and this easy homemade chili is a crowd-pleaser.

And if you’ve been searching for a good “standard” chili that everyone will like, look no further! This is it- and it’s easy! 

My mom cut this easy chili recipe out of a newspaper in the early ’90s, and it’s been our ‘family chili’ recipe ever since. 

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.

It’s perfect for any occasion, from game day gatherings to cozy nights at home. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!

Key Takeaways

Close-up image of a hearty bowl of chili with red kidney beans and ground beef, with a bold text overlay that reads “Best Ever Easy Chili Recipe.” This pin promotes a cozy, flavorful homemade chili perfect for winter or game day.

  • Cook Time: Low – 8 hours (slow cooker); Medium-High Heat – 1 hour (stovetop)
  • Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, red kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, onion, chili powder, cumin, and more.
  • Servings: 8
  • Extras: Consider fun toppings, like avocado slices, tortilla chips, crushed corn chips, or a hot sauce drizzle.
  • Tip: Consider letting the slow cooker do all the work instead of standing in front of the stove for an hour! It makes dinner more effortless and I love it!

Easy Chili Recipe

Homemade Chili Recipe

There might be a few ingredients you are’t 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 so this dish works on the stovetop.

This means it can be ready to eat sooner but with more stirring and standing at the stove.

And like I said – this is easy. Chopping the onions and garlic is probably the hardest part.

Many recipes I checked out have garlic powder to skip some cutting meal prep. Garlic can be the most annoying, but fresh garlic has a better flavor than garlic powder!

One of the most important steps is to cook the onions as the ground beef cooks together to put that beef grease to good use.

After the onions are soft and the ground beef is cooked, add the garlic and cook for another couple of minutes.

Drain the ground 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 shredded cheddar cheese, serve cornbread ont he side, add in tortilla chips for dunking, or whatever you’d like!

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Homemade Chili Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Brittany Kline
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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. ground beef 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 beef 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.

Recipe Substitutions

Flexibility is the spice of life – and of good chili! The beauty of this recipe is in its adaptability.

The best chili recipes are the ones that suit your taste buds, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

From swapping the meats to trying new toppings, here are some recipe substitutions you can make:

The Meat

Ground beef is the classic chili meat, but it does tend to be greasy and heavy- plus, not everyone eats meat!

If you’re not a fan of ground beef or are looking for a healthier ground meat alternative, ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes that still maintain their heartiness.

For a vegetarian twist, try using tofu, Beyond Meat, and other meat alternatives to give the dish a heartiness or good texture like traditional chili.

The Sauce

tomato sauce

I love making easy swaps that can make a dish quicker and more flavorful- and tomato sauce is a thing of beauty to give chili that rich tomato flavor!

Instead of just canned crushed or diced tomatoes, you can swap them for your favorite tomato sauce. or any leftover homemade sauce you have in the fridge or freezer. 

If you pick a tomato sauce that’s already seasoned, you can reduce the amount of food you put in the slow cooker unless you want a stronger taste in your chili.

I do recommend having at least 20 oz of sauce- that way you have a thick chili without any liquid that makes it a tiny bit soupy. 

Also, to make sure your sauce has that chili taste to it, make sure you don’t skip the chili powder or Worcestershire sauce.

The other big part of the sauce is water- I fill up the empty tomato can when I’m done, so I add about 28 oz. 

If you want to add more flavor or more protein you can add beef broth. If you add beef broth, the dish may be a bit saltier, so be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as you like.

The Beans

When it comes to beans, the world is your oyster!

While kidney beans (cantelinni beans) and red kidney beans are traditional, feel free to mix it up with black beans, pinto beans, or even a combination of your favorites for a multi-textured bite.

I tend to mix white and red kidney beans- depending on what’s on sale or already in the cupboard!

The Toppings

Toppings too, can be customized to taste and dietary preferences.

While cheese is a classic, consider avocado slices for a touch of creaminess or a dollop of yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream.

Fresh cilantro, chopped onions, or sliced jalapeños can add color and a kick of freshness to each bowl.

And for those that like more kick? Hot sauce drizzled on the top or a little dash of extra chili powder, with some bread to dip, is perfect for game day.

FAQs

Is this chili freezer-friendly?

family mom cooking

It’s also easy to cook your chili ahead of time and freeze it for meal prep. Simply let it cool completely before transferring to a bag and freezing.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze individual portions for easy meal prep.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this chili, simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based ground meat alternative or add extra beans and vegetables.

You might also need to increase the spices slightly to compensate for the lack of meat flavor.

How can I make this chili spicier?

If you prefer your chili with a bit more heat, you can add extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the recipe.

I usually add a little chili powder and seasonings to the ground beef after I’ve drained the grease, and I definitely start small! You can always add more but I can’t take back too much spice.

For jalapenos, start small and add some of the canned juice for flavor without much spice.

You can also serve the chili with hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy.

Can I make this chili thicker?

For a thicker beef chili, you can add tomato paste and reduce how much water you add when the ground beef and onions are done.

I usually dump the can of crushed or diced tomatoes in and then fill that can with water- so that’s about 28 oz.

That can seem like a lot if it doesn’t evaporate as the chili cooks, so the tomato paste thickens things up without losing the flavor.

What are some toppings that go well with this chili?

Some popular toppings to serve with this chili include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, and crumbled cornbread.

If you think things need more kick, feel free to sprinkle more chili powder on top to mix in for more spice.

Kelan is also a chip fan, so you can try some corn chips for dipping or crush up sour cream and onion potato chips to give a little crunch with a seasoning that goes great with chili.

Can this recipe be used for crock pot chili?

Yes, this chili recipe can also be easily adapted for the crockpot.

Simply brown the meat and saute the onion on the stove, then add them both to the slow cooker when they’re done.

Add the canned crushed or diced tomatoes, beans, water, and seasonings/condiments on top.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

You can also prep the ingredients ahead of time and freeze them in a freezer bag to make it even easier to throw together in the crockpot on a busy day.

Final Thoughts

Easy crockpot meals

There you have it, a simple yet delicious homemade chili recipe that carries the warmth of home and the richness of tradition.

This recipe, interwoven with memories and tailored with unique ingredients like cinnamon and chocolate chips, proves that comfort food can also be a canvas for creativity and new flavors.

Whether it’s gathering around the table for a family meal or enjoying a bowl while cheering on your favorite team, this chili is more than just a dish- it’s an experience.

I hope you enjoy making it as much as we do, finding both the process and the final dish a source of joy and warmth in the cold winter months.

Have you grabbed the Savvy Mama Membership 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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About Brittany Kline

Hi, I’m Brittany Kline—a mom, home systems expert, and culinary enthusiast passionate about helping busy families simplify life—starting in the kitchen. With a master’s degree in education and years of experience creating streamlined home solutions, I specialize in practical meal planning, effortless home organization, and family-friendly recipes that make life easier (and tastier) for moms everywhere.

As a former educator turned household management pro, I understand the daily chaos that comes with raising a family. That’s why I’ve dedicated my work to helping moms take control of meal planning, grocery shopping, and kitchen routines—so they can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying family meals.

My recipes and meal-planning strategies have been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, TIME, USA Today, and Business Insider, among many others. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or tips to make meal prep stress-free, I’m here to help you turn chaos into calm. Click here to read all of my posts.

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Delbert K Stevens
Delbert K Stevens
7 years ago

I made this recipe as per instructions. It was delicious.!!! I would definitely make it again. My wife loved it. Thanks Lauren

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Reply
Dan Bray
Dan Bray
7 years ago

I’m new in the kitchen and so far, this is my favorite chili recipe. It’s the best balance between mild and spicy, and sweet and savory. Two things I would recommend are: 1) use 20 oz. water for a thicker chili. 2) add 1/2 stick (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter. I cooked the chili in a Staub cocotte (French oven) with a lid that has raised spikes, that creates condensation, thereby adding more water to the chili. This is why I suggest starting-off using less water (20 oz.). The touch of cinnamon and chocolate chips really does make a subtle difference.… Read more »

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Debi
Debi
7 years ago
Reply to  Dan Bray

I’ve never eaten chili before. what does the cinnamon and chocolate chips do

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Jenny
Jenny
7 years ago
Reply to  Debi

They add a nice depth to the flavor. Believe me, you don’t taste a distinctive chocolate or cinnamon flavor.

1
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Tim
Tim
7 years ago

I used a Dutch Oven to cook the meat and onions. After draining, I added the ingredients to it and simmered in a 275 degree oven. I think chili gets better the longer it cooks, so I simmered 2 hours, and 1 more hour with the beans. For tomatoes, I used a 28 oz can of whole peeled ‘no salt added’ and crushed them with my hands. I included the optional cayenne pepper, and served sour cream, cheese, and crackers on the side. I really enjoyed it, and yes I was thankful for the chocolate and cinnamon! It reminded me… Read more »

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Louis Meyer
Louis Meyer
7 years ago

Hi Lauren, not sure you know this but your recipes are ruined by all the adverts on your recipe page. I count 8 including your own just on your chilli recipe alone. Shame as it makes me not want to follow your blog.

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Lori Singer
Lori Singer
7 years ago

Sounds yummy. Can I use something besides red wine vinegar?

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Kelly
Kelly
7 years ago
Reply to  Lori Singer

I have always used apple cider vinegar – works perfectly

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Alan
Alan
7 years ago

Everyone loved the chili !! I will be using this recipe for now on.

Thank you,
Alan

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Tracy Robinson
Tracy Robinson
7 years ago

I made this twice, the first time with the cinnamon and chocolate; the second time without.

The first time everyone noticed and disliked the cinnamon, so I skip it.

I also throw in a can of stewed tomatoes and Serve with salad and bread.

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Paul
Paul
3 years ago
Reply to  Tracy Robinson

I’ve got to agree; the cinnamon taste ruined it.

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Jon HolmesI
Jon HolmesI
7 years ago

What does the chocolate chips add to the taste?

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Mjvp
Mjvp
7 years ago

My husband made this first…it’s amazing…everybody loves it..we now make it all the time

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Jennifer
Jennifer
7 years ago

This is the chilli recipe I will always use. I made a few changes. I omitted the cayenne pepper, used diced can tomatoes and 3/4 can of tomatoe paste to help thicken. I used red onion and red and orange peppers.
Lauren thank you for sharing.

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Valerie
Valerie
6 years ago

This is my go to Chili recipe!

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Kristin
Kristin
6 years ago

I made this as directed except I didn’t have chocolate chips do that got left out. I used a can of mixed beans (pinto and kidney) and it was delicious! My husband said I “outdid” myself! Thank you!

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Lynn
Lynn
6 years ago

I made it with the cinnamon and chocolate. Wonderful flavour! Thank you very much.

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jjill
jjill
6 years ago

This was pretty scrumptious and I cannot believe I forgot to add the cinnamon! I served with chopped green onion and cheddar and sour cream.. it’s uncanny how much my son ate. He really liked it as we all did!

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Lisa Hayes
Lisa Hayes
6 years ago

My family loves this recipe. We do no onions with garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. Everyone ravs! I will keep this recipe forever! Thank you!!

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Ann
Ann
5 years ago
Reply to  Lisa Hayes

The recipe calls for: • 2 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed

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Joseph Grant
Joseph Grant
6 years ago

This is REMARKABLE chili! Anyone who omits the cinnamon or chocolate chips is missing the boat. This recipe is my new “go to” set of instructions to whip up a batch of chili. I can’t imagine that I could make a better batch following any other recipes. Amazing!

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Nancy Stratton
Nancy Stratton
6 years ago

I made this tonight and my kids loved it! The only thing different I did was use a 14oz can of stewed Mexican flavored tomatoes. And then the regular 14oz can of tomato sauce. It was so yummy! I only summered it for a hour and it was thick and delicious! Thank you!

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Marvin L
Marvin L
5 years ago

I have made the chili from this recipe 5or6 times my friends and family can’t get enough I have do the recipe times 6 to make enough outstanding chili recipe

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Cory
Cory
4 years ago

I see it’s 8 servings….do you know what the approximate serving size is?

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Lauren
Lauren
4 years ago
Reply to  Cory

1 cup.

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Stephanie
Stephanie
2 years ago

I make this for my boyfriend all the time. He absolutely loves it. Trying the stovetop version tonight because he has a craving! Thanks!

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Lauren
Lauren
2 years ago
Reply to  Stephanie

That’s awesome!

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Victoria
Victoria
2 years ago

Absolutely delicious. Have been making this exact recipe for many years, and lost my printed copy. It can be made with ground beef (lean or 85%) as well as ground turkey. Very flavorful!!

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Holstang
Holstang
1 year ago

Wow!! I was intrigued with recipe because of the cinnamon and the chocolate chips. But I wasn’t sure if we would like it so I halved the recipe. Well, next time I will definitely be making the full recipe. It was delicious. We ate the whole batch tonight! I accidentally added some diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes, so I added a can of tomato sauce and thickened it with some corn starch. So good!!!

0
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Lauren
Lauren
1 year ago
Reply to  Holstang

I’m so glad you liked it!

0
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