Easy Southern Chili Recipe with Beef and Beans (2024)

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This easy Southern chili recipe with beef and beans cooks to perfection on the stovetop in 30 minutes. It's a hearty, homemade recipe!

Southern chili has different meanings depending on who you ask. You'll find variations that exclude beans and tomatoes, only use pork, are very spicy, or include corn and okra.

There's a place for all of them!

But this Florida mom thinks the best chili is quick and easy to make from scratch but tastes like it simmered all day!

And that's what this classic chili recipe delivers.

It's the perfect fall dish for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or when you simply crave a comforting bowl of warmth.

When the heat drops a few degrees and the excitement of football season is in the air, I make this hearty chili. It's always served with a side of cornbread casserole. And everyone is very happy!

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make a delicious batch of homemade chili:

• Lean Ground Beef - Opt for 85% to 90% lean meat to ensure you have enough fat for flavor but not make it greasy. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used instead.
• Red Kidney Beans - Rinse and drain the cans of beans to remove excess sodium. Pinto beans or black beans are also great options. Use a mix for a multi-bean chili. You can even use black-eyed peas!
• Onion - Dice it finely for a smoother chili texture, or keep it chunkier if you prefer more bite. Yellow or white onions are typically used, but red onions can be a sweeter alternative.
• Diced Tomatoes - Use the juices to add depth and a rich base to the chili. If you prefer a spicier kick, opt for canned tomatoes with green chiles. For a smokier flavor, fire-roasted diced tomatoes are a great choice.
• Garlic Cloves - Depending on your preference for garlic, you can use 2-3 cloves or adjust to taste. Mince them finely or use a garlic press for a better infusion of flavor.
• Chili Powder: This is the essential spice blend for a classic chili taste. The heat level can vary depending on the brand and type, so adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Ground Cumin: This spice adds an earthy warmth to the chili. It pairs wonderfully with the chili powder to give depth to the dish.
• Canola Oil or Vegetable Oil: Either can be used for sautéing the onions and garlic. These oils have a neutral flavor that won't overpower the chili. If you're looking for a richer depth, consider using olive oil or, for a smokier touch, a splash of bacon fat.

If you want a little more kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

The best thing about chili it's easily customized. These ingredients offer a solid foundation. Tweak this recipe and come up with your own personal brand!

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.

Directions

Here's how to make this easy Southern homemade chili recipe:

1. Heat canola oil over medium-high heat in a large dutch oven. Add onion and saute for about 5 minutes or until softened.
2. Add garlic, chili powder, and cumin, and saute for 1 minute more. Lightly warming the spices before adding the other ingredients will unlock their natural oils and enhance the flavor!
3. Add ground beef to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, cooking and crumbling with a spatula or wooden spoon until no longer pink.
4. Pour the beans and tomatoes with their juices into the pot and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes so the flavors meld together and the chili slightly thickens.

Season with salt and pepper and enjoy with your favorite toppings, such as sharp cheddar cheese, sliced green onion, sour cream, and guacamole.

Ways to Use Leftover Chili

Here are some ideas to make the most of any leftover chili:

1. Baked Potato Topping: Load up a potato (or sweet potato) with chili, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a hearty meal.
2. Chili Mac: Mix it with cooked macaroni noodles and top with shredded cheese. Bake until bubbly for a delicious chili-macaroni casserole.
3. Chili Dogs: Top grilled hot dogs or sausages with chili, onions, and cheese for a classic chili dog.
4. Chili Cheese Fries: Drizzle chili over freshly cooked fries and top with shredded cheese. Pop under the broiler until the cheese melts.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill halved or hollowed-out bell peppers with chili, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender.
6. Chili Nachos: Layer tortilla chips, chili, cheese, jalapeños, and other desired toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted, and then add cold toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo.
7. Chili Pot Pie: Use it to make crescent roll pot pies!

Crock Pot Directions

To make beef and bean chili in a slow cooker:

1. Follow the first three steps as you usually would, which include sauteeing the onions and browning the ground beef.
2. Once the meat is fully cooked, transfer it to a crock-pot.
3. Add the red beans and tomatoes, including the juices, and stir to combine.
4. Cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

Using a slow cooker is a great way to let the flavors meld together over a longer period. It's fantastic for parties too because everyone can serve themselves!

What to Serve With Chili

Beef and bean chili is a hearty and flavorful dish on its own, but pairing it with great sides will elevate the meal. Here are some popular accompaniments to a bowl of chili:

1. Cornbread: A classic pairing, the sweet and soft texture of cornbread balances out the spicy and savory notes of chili.
2. Saltine Crackers or Oyster Crackers: These are traditional additions, offering a simple and crunchy complement to the chili.
3. Tortilla Chips: These provide a crunchy contrast to the chili and are perfect for scooping or crunching over the top. Low-carb tortilla chips are great if you're carb-conscious!
4. Cheese: Whether it's shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, cheese melted on top of chili adds a creamy texture and rich taste.
5. Sour Cream: A creamy topping tames the heat and adds another layer of flavor. 4-ingredient guacamole is another great topping.
6. Rice: Whether white, brown, or even cilantro-lime flavored, rice absorbs the chili's flavors and offers a satisfying texture contrast. For a low-carb option, make roasted cauliflower rice!
7. Pickled Pink Onions: These add a tangy kick that can elevate the flavor profile of your chili.
8. Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the heaviness of chili and refresh the palate.
9. Corn on the Cob: Corn offers a sweet contrast to the spicy chili. Make microwave corn in the husk in minutes!
10. Vegetables: Any seasonal vegetables are perfect. Cauliflower muffins and okra fries are perfect for Southern chili!

Storage

Chili often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld. Store it properly, and you'll have dinner options for days!

1. Cool Down First: Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before storing. However, don't leave it out for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.
2. Transfer to Containers: Use an airtight container to store the chili. You can use plastic containers, glass containers, or even resealable plastic bags.
3. Refrigerator: Store 3-4 days.
4. Freezer: Chili freezes exceptionally well. Leave a little space at the top of the containers, as the chili will expand when frozen. Use within 2-3 months for the best quality.
5. Label and Date: It's a good idea to label containers with the storage date, especially if you're freezing the chili. This way, you can easily track how long it's been stored and ensure you consume it while it's still at its best.
6. Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your stored chili, reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated. If using the microwave, transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until thoroughly hot.

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