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Up close chili in bowl with beans, cheese, and green onions.
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5 from 4 votes

Southern Homemade Chili Recipe

This Southern homemade chili is a great base chili for everyday. So warming and hearty - a dish your whole family will love!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 242kcal
Author: Sally

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion , chopped
  • 1-2 jalapeno peppers , deseeded and finely chopped, about ½ cup
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 2 14.5 ounce cans petite diced tomatoes , undrained
  • 2 15.5 ounce cans pinto beans (or beans of your choice), drained
  • 2 cups beef stock or broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt , more to taste
  • ¼ freshly ground black pepper , more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (or smoked)

Instructions

  • In Dutch oven or large pot, cook ground beef and onions until meat is browned and onions are slightly translucent, chopping up beef and stirring frequently.
  • Drain excess beef fat from pan.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients, mixing in thoroughly.
  • Bring to a boil.  Turn down heat to low and simmer for one hour, covered.
  • Taste and add more salt, black pepper, or cayenne if desired. 
  • Enjoy topped with shredded cheese along with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers. A side salad goes well with chili as well.
  • Note: This chili can simmer for another hour or two if needed or desired, but can be served after one hour as well. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.

Notes

  1. This chili can simmer for another hour or two if needed or desired, but can be served after one hour as well. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
  2. Use the beans you and your family like the best.
  3. Beef or chicken broth can be used, but I prefer the richer flavor of beef.
  4. This chili can also be cooked in the slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef and onions in a skillet on the stove top, and then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook for 4-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
  5. Use only 1 jalapeno for less spicy chili.  Start with ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper if concerned about it being too spicy.

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 631mg | Potassium: 716mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 795IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 3mg