Thick Hearty Chili Recipe
Who doesn't love a big pot of chili on a chilly day? This thick and hearty chili is perfect for warming up on a cold winter evening. It's packed with flavor, and it's sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. So why not give it a try? You might just be surprised how much you love it!
Easy Homemade Chili
This is an older recipe but seriously, you all NEED this in your recipe collection. I am still making it, seven years later! It does have a rustic flare so it's a thicker, heartier chili.
I have had some of the more soup-based chili recipes and this one is definitely not one of those. You need a hearty appetite for this one! I do love that this recipe works throughout the year.
Easy to Adapt!
For warmer weather I know a lot of folks don't want chili on the menu. However, these simple ingredients are often on sale, so I like incorporating Homemade Chili on the menu when I can. It's also super easy to make a large batch of, and freeze for later in smaller portions. You can actually make your own chili to use rather than buying store-bought chilis!
My daughter absolutely loves chili but after looking at all the ingredients in a store bought can of chili I cringed. I quickly thought to myself surely I can make this myself. It would be much healthier and also much cheaper. I'm a frugal mommy at heart so anytime I can use a coupon on ingredients that I need to cook with I do. Plus, if you are a fan of chili you know you can add it to so many meals.
Some ways to adapt chili into your menu are:
- Chili and Macaroni or Spaghetti (it's SO good if you haven't tried this)!
- Spice Up Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
- Enjoy as a small bowl with crackers
- Frito Chili Pie
- Cornbread and Chili “Shepard's Pie”- just top your cornbread with a little chili to give it tons of flavor!
Make It:
This recipe can be made easily in the Crock Pot, Instant Pot, or on the stove in an an Enameled Cast Iron Oven. For this recipe we used a large stove top oven. You can find these easily in stores throughout the year, or purchase on Amazon.
Be sure to find a sale price, since these always go on sale! The nice thing about a ceramic stove top pot or Enameled Oven is that it holds in a lot of heat within the pot itself, so your food cooks more evenly. For soups, stews, and chili on the stove this dish is a great thing to have in your collection.
Ranch Style Beans:
One thing this chili differs from other recipes on is that I used Ranch Style Beans. This gives the chili a much more rustic flavor than if you were using chili beans or unseasoned beans. If you can find a can larger than 15 oz, I would go ahead and use even more.
If your family really loves beans or you're trying to stretch out the amount of ground beef in your recipe, you can even add two cans. My recommendation would be to try this recipe if you haven't yet tried Ranch Style in your chili!
Other Add-Ons to Make Easy Homemade Chili Even Better:
If you're a fan of spicy food, you may actually want to add a can of chopped green chilis or canned jalapenos for extra spice! We typically stick to the recipe since some of us at home don't like overly spicy food, but you can really make this recipe your own.
I also serve it with shredded Pepper Jack Cheese, which is a must for us! It complements the flavors of the chili so well. What are your favorite chili add-ons? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook! Hope you enjoy this easy recipe. Print below and don't forget to Pin for later!
Other optional additions are sour cream, green onions, cheddar cheese, or just a little hot sauce!
Slow Cooker Directions
How to Reheat Frozen Chili
How Long Does Chili Last in the Refrigerator
Print Your Recipe Here:
Easy Homemade Chili
This Easy Homemade Chili is a rustic, hearty meal option that can be made on the stove or slow cooker!
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can of Ranch Style Beans
- 1 15oz can of Dark Red Kidney Beans
- 2 cans of Red Gold tomato sauce depending on how thick you like yours
- 1 lb ground beef, browned
- 1 pkg of McCormick chili seasoning
- 1 pkg of Kraft Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese
- 1 tsp of chili powder
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- 1 bag of Frito's
- Optional: Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions or Pepper Jack Cheese for Toppings
Instructions
Brown ground with 1/2 pkg of chili seasoning, drain grease.
In a large pot add chili powder, garlic powder, rest of chili seasoning (optional), tomato sauce and hamburger meat.
Heat chili for 30 mins to let the seasonings cook in or until nice and hot.
Pour over Fritos and top with Kraft Mild Cheddar Cheese
Notes
You do not have to add the entire left over pkg. of chili seasoning if you prefer less.
McCormick's Seasoning is recommended just because that is what I prefer. However, you can use your favorite. I also use Williams no salt added Chili Seasoning, but it seasons 2 lbs + of meat so half of the package is more than enough!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 715Total Fat 40gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 148mgSodium 2236mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 8gSugar 12gProtein 52g
2020 Update: This post originally appeared on Consumer Queen as a sponsored post in 2013. Updated 4/7/2020.
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We have SO many recipes from slow cooker meals to Instant Pot decadent desserts! Check out the full list at My Royal Kitchen, linked above. If you're cooking more at home right now, you know it's important to find a few easy one pot meals, slow cooker dinners, and super fast Instant Pot meal options! This will save your time and energy in the kitchen. Enjoy!
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Try adding a few drops of “Crab broil” it’s a pretty hot red liquid so go easy. I also put just a sprinkle of cinnamon……sounds weird but good and lastly I sprinkle a little cumin even though the McCormicks probably has it in their mix. I also sometimes put a can of black beans and a can of chili beans.
Thanks for the tip!