Best Ever Basic Beef Chili (From Scratch!)
This basic chili recipe is a winner! Hearty beef, kidney beans, and tons of flavour. Ready for a football game or a chilly night. Get my secret for the best chili oil recipe!
Right then, let's talk basic chili recipe . honestly, who doesn't love a good chili? ever had one of those days where only a big bowl of hearty goodness will do? i know i have.
This isn't just any chili, though. this is your new go-to, "best ever basic beef chili (from scratch!)".
This Chili's Got History (and Flavor!)
This basic chili recipe comes from that feeling of tex-mex comfort, that warming, spicy hug in a bowl. the basic chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful blend of ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and spices.
This chili has roots in tex-mex tradition, and its design makes it easily customizable. chuck in more spice, different beans, or a cheeky bit of cocoa powder! it is your foolproof base.
I learned this one from my nan, who made the best comfort food ever .
Easy peasy lemon squeezy. this recipe is beginner-friendly. it needs a bit of simmering time. but the prep is minimal.
Aim to get 6-8 servings. this will feed the whole family. or give you loads for the freezer.
The Good Stuff: Health and Happiness
This chili is packed with protein. i’m talking serious muscle-building potential. plus, all those veggies give you a good dose of fiber.
Perfect for a cozy night in, a footie match, or even a potluck. what makes this basic chili recipe special? it is yours to play with.
You can adapt to your taste. fancy some red pepper chili oil drizzled on top? go for it! or even a sprinkle of chili oil thai for that extra zing.
Trust me, a dash of homemade fire oil will blow your mind and bring the red chili peppers recipes to life!
Right, now let's get down to the ingredients, shall we?
Alright mate, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of what you'll need for this best ever basic beef chili (from scratch!) .
I'm gonna break it down simple, so even your nan could follow it.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: Let's Gather the Troops
Right, first things first, the main players. These are what's gonna make our basic chili recipe sing. I reckon you probably have most of this kicking about already!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). Just the basic stuff, nothing fancy.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup ). The standard cooking onion is your mate here.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped (about 1 cup ). Adds a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons ). Fresh is best, but jarred will do in a pinch, yeah?
- Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs ( 680g ), 80/20 blend. The slightly fattier mince gives it a better flavour. Don't go too lean or it'll be dry as a bone.
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons . This is where the chili flavour really comes from!
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon . Adds warmth and earthiness, don't skip it!
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon . Gives a lovely smoky depth.
- Dried Oregano: ½ teaspoon . A little bit of Mediterranean magic.
- Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Only if you're feeling brave and want some proper heat! If you're feeling extra brave, maybe look into some Thai Chili Pepper Hot Sauce Recipe .
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can ( 794g ). The base of our sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (15 ounce) can ( 425g ), undrained. Adds some texture.
- Kidney Beans: 1 (15 ounce) can ( 425g ), rinsed and drained. Gotta have them beans!
- Beef Broth: 1 cup ( 240ml ). Adds flavour and helps with simmering.
- Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon . Concentrated tomato-y goodness.
- Brown Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional). Balances out the acidity.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Obvs!
For the beef, look for a nice, red colour and a slightly marbled appearance. That little bit of fat is what makes it delicious.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
This is where you can really make it your own.
Think of cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and chili powder as your core spice blend. Then build from there.
A little bit of red pepper chili oil can add a serious kick, or even your own homemade how to make garlic chili oil , or a dab of your favourite chili oil thai .
Want some fire oil or maybe peanut chili oil ? experiment and see what you like. i do love a good chinese hot oil myself!
Don't be shy with the salt and pepper, either. it's surprising how much difference a little seasoning can make. maybe you can try a chili oil sauce recipe , but in a subtle way to bring up the chili flavor.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen for this basic chili recipe . Just a few essentials:
- Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot. This is key for even cooking. If you don't have one, a large, sturdy pot will do.
- Cutting Board and Knife. For chopping the veggies.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons. Get those measurements right!
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon. For stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot.
Honestly, you probably already have everything you need. no need to go splashing out on fancy gadgets. and that's it! i can practically smell the chili cooking already! remember that if you need more red chili peppers recipes you can browse the internet.
Good luck with the recipe!
Right, let's get stuck into making a brilliant basic chili recipe . seriously, this is proper comfort food, innit? think chilly evenings, big mugs, and just that warm, fuzzy feeling.
I'm aiming for a hearty, flavourful chili that you can totally make your own.
Best Ever Basic Beef Chili (From Scratch!) Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Best Ever Basic Beef Chili (From Scratch!)
Honestly, this chili is the ultimate comfort food. it's a proper tasty mix of beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and spices that bubbles away 'til it's just perfect.
It's got roots in tex-mex nosh, but you can totally change it up – more spice, different beans, even a bit of cocoa for that richer taste.
This is your foolproof route to chili heaven.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Essential Mise en Place
Before we start throwing stuff about, get your ingredients sorted. chop the onion and bell pepper. mince that garlic. it only takes 20 mins.
Open those cans of tomatoes and beans. having everything ready seriously makes the cooking process way smoother.
Quick Cooking: Step-by-Step to Chili Perfection
Okay, let's get cooking! This is dead easy, even if you're a bit of a beginner.
- Sauté the Goodies: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your Dutch oven (or big pot) over a medium heat. Chuck in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook them for 5- 7 minutes until they go soft. Then, add 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing.
- Brown the Beef: Add 1.5 lbs of ground beef. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it's browned. Drain off any extra fat. No one likes greasy chili, do they?
- Spice it Up: Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy). Cook for 1 minute , stirring all the time. This "blooms" the spices, making them extra flavorful.
- Add the Lot: Now, add the 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes, the 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes, the 15 ounce can of kidney beans (rinsed and drained), 1 cup of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer, Simmer, Simmer: Bring it all to a simmer. Then, turn the heat down to low, put a lid on, and cook for at least 1 hour 30 minutes , or up to 2 hours . Stir it now and then. The longer it simmers, the better it gets.
- Taste and Tweak: Give it a taste and add more seasoning if you need to. More salt, more pepper, more chili powder – whatever you fancy.
- Serve it Up: Ladle it into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for Chili Champions: Spice it right with Red Pepper Chili Oil!
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Don't rush the simmering. That's where all the magic happens. I've made chili in a hurry before, and honestly, it just doesn't compare. The flavors need time to get to know each other. For an extra kick that is well known in the East, try to add Chili Oil Thai to the final recipe.
- Spice it Up: Toasting the spices wakes them up. Trust me, you'll notice the difference. If you are interested in a very hot recipe you might use Thai Chili Pepper Hot Sauce Recipe .
- Next-Day Flavor Bomb: Chili is always better the next day. Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The flavours blend together beautifully. Try this chili with a Peanut Chili Oil for an asian twist. You could even try adding How To Make Garlic Chili Oil for a flavor that is really amazing.
Extra ideas for Chili night!
Fancy some chinese hot oil ? you can drizzle some on top for an extra kick. or maybe you're feeling fire oil ? go wild! chili is super versatile.
So, there you have it, your new favourite basic chili recipe! proper easy, totally delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
Get in the kitchen and give it a go.
How to Serve?
Get creative with your toppings! Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado... the possibilities are endless.
If you fancy something extra, have some of your chili with some Red Chili Peppers Recipes for an extra special dish. Serve it with some garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping.
Alright, let's dive into some handy notes for your Best Ever Basic Beef Chili (From Scratch!) . Honestly, sometimes the little things make a massive difference!
Recipe Notes
Ace Serving Suggestions
Right, presentation! ladle that chili into a bowl. top it with a dollop of sour cream. sprinkle with cheddar. a few chopped green onions? oh my gosh, chef's kiss! for sides, cornbread is classic.
Mexican rice is lovely. or, just a big pile of tortilla chips. for drinks, think about a crisp beer or a refreshing lime margarita.
Who wouldn’t want that? a big bowl of my basic chili recipe is truly a meal.
Storage Sorted
Got leftovers? ace! this chili keeps beautifully. pop it in an airtight container. it can last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Wanna freeze it? go for it. it’ll keep for up to 3 months. just let it cool completely first. reheating? simple.
Microwave it, or heat it gently on the stovetop. make sure it’s piping hot. above 165° f ( 74° c) , yeah?
Variation Vibes
Fancy a change? try adding some heat! a sprinkle of red pepper chili oil or a dash of your favourite chili oil thai or thai chili pepper hot sauce recipe can do the trick.
Feeling veggie? swop out the beef. use lentils or extra beans. i love it with some fire oil added. i know some people even like to add chocolate for depth of flavour.
You could also use red chili peppers recipes , dried or fresh. it adds depth of flavour.
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's be real. this isn't health food, haha! but! it's got protein from the beef and fiber from the beans.
That will keep you full. kidney beans are a great source of plant based protein, and protein will keep you full for longer.
You can find chili oil sauce recipe ideas that cut down on fats. every serving has roughly 350-400 calories. the important ingredient is the protein.
Right then, that's your lot! have fun, experiment, and enjoy that chili! don't be afraid to put your own spin on things.
I hope you enjoy my how to make garlic chili oil .
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to make this basic chili recipe spicier? I like a proper kick!
Alright, you fancy a bit of fire! The easiest way to crank up the heat in this basic chili recipe is to add more cayenne pepper. Start with an extra 1/4 teaspoon and taste, adding more until you reach your desired level of spice. You could also dice a jalapeño or serrano pepper (remove the seeds for less heat), or stir in a few dashes of your favourite hot sauce. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away! So go slow and taste as you go.
Can I make this chili ahead of time? Does basic chili recipe taste better the next day?
Absolutely! In fact, this chili is a bit like a fine wine, it gets better with age. Making this chili a day ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and then gently reheat it on the stovetop before serving. You might even find you need to add a little more broth as it can thicken overnight.
I'm a vegetarian, can I adapt this basic chili recipe? What can I substitute for the beef?
Of course, going veggie is no problem! Just swap out the ground beef for a pound of your favourite plant-based ground meat alternative. You could also add another tin of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for extra protein and texture. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You might even want to chuck in some chopped mushrooms or sweet potato for extra veggie goodness.
How long will this chili last in the fridge and freezer?
In the fridge, your chili will keep well for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freezing is the way to go! Cool the chili completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What are some good toppings for this basic chili recipe?
Toppings are where you can really let your personality shine! Classic choices include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a healthier twist), chopped green onions, and diced avocado. Feeling fancy? Try crumbled tortilla chips for crunch, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, or even a sprinkle of crumbled bacon. It's all about creating your perfect bowl of comfort!