Name: Homemade Chili: The Perfect Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484695H51M15S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 2 pounds lean ground beef; 1 pound pork sausage; ¼ cup red wine vinegar; 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (petite, undrained); 4 cups tomato juice; 1 cup ketchup; 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans (undrained); 1 (16 oz) can kidney beans (undrained); 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; 3 tablespoons chili powder; ¾ teaspoon garlic salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you want it spicier); Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping); Sour cream (optional, for topping)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of Homemade Chili. Whether you’re curling up on a cold winter day, hosting a family gathering, or preparing for a game day feast, this chili recipe will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen. Packed with savory flavors, tender meat, and hearty beans, this dish combines ground beef and pork sausage, creating a rich base that’s full of bold spices and a hint of sweetness.

The addition of red wine vinegar balances the richness of the meats, while the blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and paprika gives it the perfect amount of warmth. With the option of topping it with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream, each bite is a flavorful explosion. This chili is not only satisfying but also easy to make in large batches, perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

This dish is a classic that will warm you up from the inside out, making it the ideal comfort food for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty & Filling – Packed with ground beef, sausage, and beans, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy your hunger.
Bold & Flavorful – The perfect blend of spices, from chili powder to cumin, creates a deep, rich flavor.
Easy to Make – A one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare and doesn’t require much hands-on time.
Customizable – Adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or skip the beans if you prefer a meatier chili.
Toppings Galore – With options like cheese and sour cream, you can personalize your chili to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Large onion, diced
Lean ground beef
Pork sausage
Red wine vinegar
Diced tomatoes (petite, undrained)
Tomato juice
Ketchup
Pinto beans (canned, undrained)
Kidney beans (canned, undrained)
Light brown sugar
Chili powder
Garlic salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Paprika
Ground cumin
Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Sour cream (optional)

Variations

Vegetarian Chili: Omit the meat and substitute with additional beans or lentils for a plant-based version.
Spicy Chili: Increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh diced jalapeños to turn up the heat.
Add More Veggies: Include bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Slow Cooker Option: After browning the meat and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker for a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Chili with Beer: Add a can of your favorite beer for an added depth of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and pork sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Liquids and Beans

Once the meat is browned, stir in the red wine vinegar, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato juice, and ketchup. Add the pinto and kidney beans (with their liquid), and stir to combine.

Step 3: Season the Chili

Stir in the chili powder, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can meld together.

Step 4: Add the Sugar

Add the light brown sugar to balance out the acidity and richness. Stir until fully combined, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, if desired. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Simmer for Longer: For the best flavor, let the chili simmer for 1-2 hours to allow the spices to fully develop.
Adjust the Thickness: If the chili is too thick, add a little more tomato juice or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce.
Make it Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance and storing it in the fridge overnight.
Freezing: This chili freezes well, so you can make a large batch and store portions for future meals.
Spicy Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance. You can always add more heat later, but it’s harder to take it out once it’s in!

How to Serve

Serve with Toppings: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Side Options: Serve with warm cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips for a perfect chili pairing.
Over Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the chili over a bed of rice or add a scoop of rice to your bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove until warmed through.

Reheating

Reheat the chili on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of tomato juice or water if needed to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner version of this chili.

2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to dice and cook the fresh tomatoes down to release their juices. Canned tomatoes are more convenient and add more depth of flavor.

3. How can I make this chili spicier?

Increase the amount of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or add diced fresh chilies to increase the heat.

4. Can I use different types of beans?

Feel free to substitute the pinto and kidney beans with other varieties like black beans or white beans.

5. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the meat and sautéing the onions, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

6. Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, this chili is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any toppings, like cheese or sour cream, are also gluten-free.

7. How do I make the chili less spicy?

To reduce the heat, use less cayenne pepper, skip the fresh chilies, or add a bit more ketchup or tomato juice to mellow the spiciness.

8. Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meat and use more beans or lentils for a hearty, vegetarian version.

9. What can I serve with chili?

Cornbread, rice, crackers, or tortilla chips are all great side options for chili.

10. Can I freeze leftover chili?

Yes, chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing.

Conclusion

This Homemade Chili recipe is the perfect combination of hearty, spicy, and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a warm bowl of chili, this recipe is sure to deliver. With rich flavors from the ground beef, sausage, and spices, combined with the heartiness of the beans, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Plus, with endless ways to customize it, you can make this chili exactly how you like it. Serve it up with your favorite toppings and enjoy the perfect bowl of chili!