How to Make the Best Old Fashioned Chili Recipe

Learn how to make a hearty old fashioned chili recipe packed with flavor. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Easy and delicious!

This old-fashioned chili recipe is one that reminds me of cozy nights at home. Packed with hearty flavors, it’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re a chili enthusiast or a first-time cook, this easy homemade chili will become a go-to in your recipe collection!

You can check out my previous post, What’s Cooking to see the rest of our menu for this week.

I really don’t think there’s anything better on a cool, dreary day than a big pot of something delicious simmering on the stove. It gives me all the cozy fall vibes, and I’m here for it.

Chili happens to be my husband’s favorite “soup”, but I’ve always felt like with as thick as it is, it’s more of a “stew”. What do you all think? Soup, or stew? Either way, it sure is delicious.

Other ways to use Homemade Chili

Maybe you’ve eaten a bowl of chili for three days, and you just cannot sit down to another bowl. Here are a few delicious ways we enjoy leftover chili in our house.

• Oven homemade fries – here’s a great recipe for fries made in the air fryer
• Shepherd’s Pie – spread the chili in a casserole dish, add some frozen peas, top with mashed potatoes, and bake ’til brown and bubbly!
• Enchiladas topped with chili is always a favorite on Taco Tuesday
• Spooned on top of a baked potato for a filling side dish, or a yummy lunch
• On top of a three-cheese omelet. It makes such a filling, delicious breakfast
• Add cooked rice or quinoa to the chili and stuff inside of hollowed out green peppers. Makes a super easy supper!

I’d love to know if you try it my homemade chili, and like it! It is definitely a favorite around here.

Old Fashioned Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 2 cups chopped green pepper
• 1 small yellow onion
• 2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 6 oz can tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 2 15 oz cans of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 TBS chili powder
• 2 TBS garlic powder
• 2 TBS onion powder
• 3 TBS cumin
• 1 TBS paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions

• In a large Dutch oven, sauté diced peppers and onions until translucent and they start to caramelize.
• Add seasonings, minus the baking soda, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. Making sure they don’t burn.
• Add ground meat and brown until just done.
• Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water and tomato paste.
• Bring to a simmer over medium low heat and cook for about 15 minutes. Then add the drained beans.
• Stir in the baking soda. The sauce will start to bubble up. Stir over medium heat until the bubbles have gone away.
• Remove from heat, and serve with your favorite additions.

Pro Tips Section:

• For a deeper flavor:
  Sauté the spices with the onions and peppers to bloom their flavor before adding the meat.
• To adjust the heat:
  Reduce or omit the cayenne if you prefer a milder chili. For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• For thicker chili:
  Simmer the chili longer to reduce the liquid, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
• Why the baking soda?
  The baking soda neutralizes the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother, well-rounded flavor.

FAQ:

• Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
  Yes! After browning the meat and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Can I freeze chili?
  Absolutely! This chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

This old-fashioned chili recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish everyone will love. Let me know in the comments how you enjoyed it or if you added your own twist—I’d love to hear from you!

Old Fashioned, Homemade Chili

Print

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 2 cups chopped green pepper
• 1 small yellow onion
• 2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 6 oz can tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 2 15 oz cans of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 TBS chili powder
• 2 TBS garlic powder
• 2 TBS onion powder
• 3 TBS cumin
• 1 TBS paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions

• In a large dutch oven, saute diced peppers and onions until translucent and they start to caramelize.
• Add seasonings, minus the baking soda, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. Making sure they don't burn.
• Add ground meat and brown until just done.
• Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water and tomato paste.
• Bring to a simmer over medium low heat and cook for about 15 minutes. Then add the drained beans.
• Stir in the baking soda. The sauce will start to bubble up. Stir over medium heat until the bubbles have gone away.
• Remove from heat, and serve with your favorite additions.

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