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| Published on:

November 2, 2025

Grandma’s Homemade Chili is a comforting dish that warms both the body and soul. It brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights at home. This chili recipe is easy to follow and uses common ingredients you can find in your pantry. With ground beef, beans, and plenty of flavorful spices, this dish is satisfying and delicious. Whether you are cooking for your family or having friends over, this chili is sure to please everyone.

The best part is how quickly you can make it. With just a little chopping and stirring, your kitchen will fill with mouthwatering aromas. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create something special for dinner tonight!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Grandma’s Homemade Chili is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple and doesn’t require special skills. The ingredients are easy to find and affordable. Second, this chili is perfect comfort food, hearty enough to fill you up on a chilly day. Plus, you can enjoy it in many ways. You can serve it plain, over rice, or with cornbread. It’s also a fantastic dish for leftovers or meal prep, making it convenient for busy weeks.

How to Make Grandma’s Homemade Chili

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft.
Add ground beef to the pot, cooking until browned.
Stir in kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and let cook for 20 minutes.
Serve hot, and enjoy your cozy meal!

How to Serve Grandma’s Homemade Chili

You can serve Grandma’s Homemade Chili in many ways. Try it with a sprinkle of cheese on top or some sour cream for added creaminess. You can also serve it with cornbread or tortilla chips for a crunchy side.

How to Store Grandma’s Homemade Chili

If you have leftovers, store the chili in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Tips to Make Grandma’s Homemade Chili

For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also customize the beans based on your preferences, like using pinto beans instead of black beans. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook!

Variations

You can make this chili vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. If you like a smoky flavor, add some smoked paprika or diced bell peppers.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey, chicken, or even sausage in place of ground beef.

Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild spices, but you can add more chili powder or hot sauce to increase the heat.

Can I use canned beans?
Yes, canned beans are perfect for this recipe. Just drain and rinse them before adding.

How long does this chili last?
In the fridge, it will last about 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.