Southern homemade chili is a true comfort food classic that's easy to make and irresistibly delicious! Tender ground beef is slow simmered with chili beans, zesty chili tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, with chili powder and a dash of Cajun seasoning (for that southern flair)!
This hearty dish is not only a favorite among busy families but also a perfect choice for a quick weekday meal, game day, potluck, etc. It's a one-pot wonder that can be enjoyed year-round.
Its rich flavors and simplicity make it a staple in Southern cuisine, and once you try this homemade chili recipe, you'll understand why. Serve it with a slice of piping hot Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread!
When I was growing up, we ate our chili over rice (probably because my family is Cajun and we use every opportunity to eat rice, or maybe it was to stretch the meal as there were 4 kids to feed. Could be a combination of the two!
But I married a country boy who eats chili with lots of crackers crumbled and mixed up in his bowl of chili. So I've branched out and will, on occasion, eat my chili with crackers or sometimes with corn chips 😉
If you're a meat lover, give my Keto Chili recipe a try! Its has ground beef and sliced smoked sausage - very hearty and super flavorful, just like this one!
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Why You'll Love It
There are many reasons to love this Southern Homemade Chili, and I think that since it's made in your own kitchen with ingredients you know, that's one of the best reasons. Here are some more really good reasons to love it!
- We use easy and convenient ingredients, but don't skimp on the flavor factor! Ground beef, convenient frozen chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery blend, along with seasoned chili beans, chili tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, and a touch of Cajun seasoning - all cooked together until the chili is tender and the seasonings have blended together.
- Chili is excellent for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and enjoy it for several meals throughout the week, saving you time and effort.
- Leftover chili can be used in so many ways, from topping baked potatoes and nachos to filling burritos or omelets.
- Chili can be budget friendly, as it can be made with affordable ingredients. Depending what you serve with it, it can be stretched for several meals or to feed a crowd. Keep reading for tips on what goes with chili!
Ingredients You'll Need
This easy chili recipe has simple ingredients; plus a little Cajun seasoning for a little jazz with every bite!
Ground Beef - Because we're not adding additional fatty ingredients, I like 80/20 ground chuck for this chili. It makes the chili tender and juicy without drying it out. But really, you can use regular ground beef; just be sure to drain off all the grease after browning it.
Onion, Bell Pepper, and Celery - I love to use the frozen chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery "seasoning blend." It's so easy to open the bag and pour it in!
Chili Beans - basically, these are pinto beans in chili sauce. They add a ton of flavor as opposed to plain pinto beans.
Zesty Diced Tomatoes - same as the chili beans, canned chili tomatoes are diced tomatoes that are specifically seasoned for chili.
Tomato Sauce - balances the flavors and adds more tomato flavor. It also adds a little more liquid so the chili won't be super thick.
Seasonings - since the beans and tomatoes are already seasoned, I still like to add chili powder and Cajun seasoning as flavor boosters.
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- You can substitute ground turkey or venison for ground beef.
- Instead of chili beans, you can use kidney beans or plain pinto beans. Keep in mind that the flavor level decreases when you don't use "chili beans."
- Additions like corn, diced jalapeños, or black beans can also be added for a unique twist.
- You can use regular diced tomatoes and plain pinto beans to make this chili less spicy. That way, you can add your own seasonings to customize the chili for your specific flavor palette.
- For more vegetable addition ideas, check out 7 Ways to Add Veggies to Chili!
Easy Instructions
With 4 easy steps, this Southern Homemade Chili will become your favorite go-to chili recipe!
Slow Cooker Method
To make this southern homemade chili in a slow cooker (crock pot), simply brown the ground beef and then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker will meld the flavors beautifully, creating a mouthwatering chili that's ready whenever you are.
Recipe Tips for Success
- Allow your chili to simmer for the recommended 1-2 hours if possible; this deepens the flavors and makes the ground beef very tender.
- Taste test and adjust the seasonings as needed during the cooking process.
- Don't forget to stir the chili occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
What to Serve with Chili
Like I mentioned earlier, sometimes you might need to add another component to the chili to make it a square meal or to stretch it further. Cornbread, cooked rice or spaghetti noodles, baked potatoes, crackers, or corn chips are the most common sides to serve with chili. If you're feeling like a change is in order, try serving creamy coleslaw, fried okra, and even fried plantains. All of these offer a unique flavor that compliments chili.
What Goes with Chili
You don't have to top your chili with anything! I've eaten it plain on many occasions. But sometimes I can't get enough delicious toppings so I reach for some of these traditional chili toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, sliced jalapeno peppers, and hot sauce.
However, have you tried some less traditional toppings and found out you really love them, too? Things like pickled red onions, avocado slices, or even a fried or poached egg served on top of chili surprisingly go very well with chili! Try adding a little cocoa or strong coffee to boost all the flavors!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To store leftovers, place the chili in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely, chili actually tastes even better when made a day or two in advance as the flavors have more time to meld. Reheat it gently on the stove or in a slow cooker before serving.
If your chili is thicker than you prefer, simply add a bit of beef broth (or chicken broth), a little more tomato sauce, or water to reach your desired consistency. Be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly!
If you store the leftover chili in an airtight container, it'll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The best part about leftover chili is it keeps getting more and more flavorful the next day and the next!
More Ground Beef Recipes
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Recipe
Southern Homemade Chili
Equipment
- skillet or cast iron skillet
- spatula and spoon
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2.25 lbs lean ground beef
- 10 oz bag of frozen chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery blend Recommend PictSweet brand
- 14.5 oz canned chili beans (not drained) Recommend Bush's Pinto Beans in Mild Chili Sauce
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes for chili (not drained) Recommend Del Monte Diced Tomatoes Zesty Chili Style
- 8 oz canned tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- salt, optional (only add salt after the chili has cooked, and only if needed)
Garnish Options
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- sliced green onions
What to Serve With Chili (Side Options)
- saltine crackers
- baked cornbread (slices or muffins)
- toasted garlic bread
Instructions
- Recommendation: it's a good idea to read through all the instructions before you begin making the chili.
- In a large skillet, crumble and cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink; chopping and stirring often. Drain off the fat.
- Add the frozen vegetable blend, stir, and slow-simmer, covered for 5 minutes.
- Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, and Cajun seasoning. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Slow-simmer for at least 1 hour (2 hours is even better). Taste test and add more seasonings, if desired.
- Serve with the recommended garnishes and one of the sides.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.
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