Ultimate Hearty Chili Recipe — Easy, Make-Ahead, Crowd-Pleasing (Big Pot!)
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 1 hr 30 min | Serves: 10–12
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Shop on Amazon here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
This big pot of chili is comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. It’s freezer-safe, protein-packed, and made with pantry staples — get everything you need on Amazon and start cooking tonight!
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey) — shop lean meats
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven from Amazon, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in ground beef and brown until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne. Stir well.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, sugar, and beans. Simmer uncovered 45–60 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cornbread.
🔥 Pro Tips & Variations
- Make-Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day! Refrigerate and reheat.
- Slow Cooker: After browning meat, transfer everything into a Crock-Pot and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra beans or lentils.
- Spice it up: Add chipotle peppers or hot sauce to taste.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Pair your chili with cast iron cornbread pans or fluffy dinner rolls. Top it with cheese, avocado, jalapeños, or green onions for a full meal.
