Homemade CHILI Recipe

Homemade CHILI Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 784 calories per serving. Recipe by Simply Mamá Cooks on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 50 min | Total: 2 hrs 25 min

Cost: $27.44 total, $4.57 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Lean Ground Beef (80% lean, browned)
  • 1 lb Top Sirloin Steak (Minced and chopped, adds tender chunks)
  • 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (Can use canola or olive oil)
  • 1.5 tsp Salt (Kosher or table salt)
  • 0.5 tsp Cracked Black Pepper (Freshly cracked)
  • 5 clove Garlic Cloves (Minced)
  • 1 piece Large Onion (Finely chopped)
  • 6 Tbsp Chili Powder (Mild to medium heat)
  • 3 tsp Smoked Paprika (Adds smoky depth)
  • 3 tsp Garlic Powder (Granulated)
  • 3 tsp Onion Powder (Granulated)
  • 3 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 3 Tbsp Tomato Paste (Concentrated tomato flavor)
  • 7 cup Low Sodium Beef Broth (Store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 piece Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce (Finely chopped)
  • 2 Tbsp Adobo Sauce (From the same chipotle can)
  • 4 Tbsp Cornstarch (Heaping, mixed with cold water)
  • 4 Tbsp Cold Water (For slurry)
  • 2 can Pinto Beans (15‑oz cans, drained and rinsed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Pot and Add Oil

    Place the 6‑quart pot on the stove over medium‑high heat and add 3 Tbsp vegetable oil.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Brown the Meats

    Add the 2 lb lean ground beef and the 1 lb minced top sirloin to the hot pot. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Season the Meat

    Stir in 1½ tsp salt and ½ tsp cracked black pepper. Mix well.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Add Garlic and Onion

    Add the minced 5 garlic cloves and the finely chopped large onion. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Toast the Dry Spices

    Sprinkle in 6 Tbsp chili powder, 3 tsp smoked paprika, 3 tsp garlic powder, 3 tsp onion powder, and 3 tsp ground cumin. Stir continuously for 2‑3 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Incorporate Tomato Paste

    Add 3 Tbsp tomato paste, stirring it into the meat‑spice mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes to develop a deeper flavor.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Add Broth and Chipotle

    Pour in 7 cups low‑sodium beef broth, the finely chopped chipotle pepper, and 2 Tbsp adobo sauce. Stir, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Simmer the Chili

    Let the covered pot simmer on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT1H

  9. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry

    In a small bowl, combine 4 Tbsp heaping cornstarch with 4 Tbsp cold water. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Thicken the Chili

    Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering chili. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the broth to thicken.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Add Beans and Finish Simmering

    Add the drained and rinsed 2 cans of pinto beans. Simmer uncovered for 15‑20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are heated through and the chili reaches desired consistency.

    Time: PT20M

  12. Final Taste Check and Serve

    Give the chili a final stir, taste for seasoning, and serve hot in bowls with your favorite toppings.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
784
Protein
62 g
Carbohydrates
50 g
Fat
24 g
Fiber
11 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Contains Meat

Allergens: Beef, Corn, Beans

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Homemade CHILI Recipe

Recipe by Simply Mamá Cooks

A hearty, smoky beef chili packed with ground beef, chopped sirloin, pinto beans, and a blend of classic Tex-Mex spices. Perfect for cold evenings, game days, or anytime you crave a comforting bowl of chili.

MediumAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
11m
Prep
1h 47m
Cook
14m
Cleanup
2h 12m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$27.44
Total cost
$4.57
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Browning the meat properly to develop flavor.
  • Toasting the dry spices without burning them.
  • Maintaining a gentle simmer for the full hour to tenderize the meat.
  • Adding the cornstarch slurry slowly while stirring to avoid lumps.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw meat with separate utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Be careful when adding hot broth to the pot; steam can cause burns.
  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a safe distance while browning meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of beef chili in American cuisine?

A

Beef chili, often called "chili con carne," originated in the American Southwest and Texas in the 19th century, blending Mexican spices with locally available beef. It became a staple at community gatherings, fairs, and later as a comfort food for cold weather and sporting events.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of beef chili in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

In Texas, chili is traditionally made without beans and focuses on beef and chilies. In New Mexico, green chilies are used, while in the Southwest you’ll find added tomatoes, cumin, and sometimes pork. This recipe follows a more classic Tex‑Mex style but includes beans for a family‑friendly twist.

cultural
Q

How is beef chili authentically served in Texas and the broader American Southwest?

A

Authentic Texas chili is served hot in a bowl, often topped with shredded cheese, chopped onions, and a side of cornbread or crackers. In the Southwest, it may be paired with rice, tortillas, or used as a topping for Frito pies, as demonstrated in the video.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is beef chili traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Beef chili is a popular dish for game‑day parties, tailgate gatherings, winter holidays, and community fundraisers because it feeds a crowd, stays warm on the stove, and can be made ahead of time.

cultural
Q

How does beef chili fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?

A

Chili embodies the American comfort‑food ethos: hearty, easy to scale, and adaptable. Its rich, smoky flavors and protein‑rich profile make it a go‑to meal for cold evenings and casual gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for beef chili versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include beef (ground or cubed), dried chilies or chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, and sometimes tomatoes. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for a leaner option, smoked paprika for deeper smoke, and different beans (black, kidney) if pinto beans are unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with this beef chili?

A

Serve the chili alongside cornbread, Mexican rice, warm tortillas, or a fresh avocado salad. A side of queso dip or a simple pico de gallo also complements the smoky flavors.

cultural
Q

What makes this easy beef chili special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The recipe combines both ground beef and chopped sirloin for a mix of texture, uses a chipotle pepper in adobo for subtle heat, and thickens with a quick cornstarch slurry, delivering a rich, velvety chili without a long‑hour roux.

cultural
Q

How has beef chili evolved over time in American cooking?

A

Originally a simple stew of beef and dried chilies, modern chili has incorporated canned beans, tomato products, and diverse spice blends. Home cooks now experiment with smoked meats, craft beers, and international spices, expanding the dish beyond its rustic roots.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making beef chili at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the spices (which burns and turns bitter), adding too much liquid early (preventing thickening), and not allowing enough simmer time for the meat to become tender. Also, forgetting to season after adding broth can leave the chili bland.

technical
Q

Why does this beef chili recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of a flour roux?

A

A cornstarch slurry thickens the chili quickly without adding extra flour flavor or requiring a separate cooking step. It also keeps the chili gluten‑free, which aligns with the recipe’s gluten‑free designation.

technical
Q

Can I make this beef chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili improves after resting. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks specialize in?

A

Simply Mamá Cooks focuses on approachable, family‑friendly Latin‑American and Tex‑Mex recipes, emphasizing fresh ingredients, step‑by‑step guidance, and practical cooking tips for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks' approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Simply Mamá Cooks blends traditional Latin flavors with modern convenience, often using pantry staples and offering clear visual cues. The channel prioritizes flavor balance, cultural context, and quick, one‑pot meals, setting it apart from channels that focus on elaborate plating or gourmet techniques.

channel

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