There’s something about a warm bowl of homemade chili that makes it the perfect comfort meal for fall. This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and packed with ground beef, kidney beans, black beans, sweet corn, and a blend of spices. It’s easy to make in one pot and works great for meal prep, with leftovers that taste just as good the next day. I paired mine with homemade rosemary sourdough garlic bread and a side of rice, which complemented the chili perfectly.

Ingredients

Chili Base

• Olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth (add more as needed for your preferred consistency)

Chili Seasonings

• Bay leaf
• Chili powder, to taste
• Ancho chili powder, to taste
• Ground cumin, to taste
• Dried oregano, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Adobo seasoning (or salt, if preferred), to taste
• Brown sugar, approximately 2 tsp (adjust to taste)

Seasoning Tip: Don’t be shy with the seasonings! I personally find that being generous with the spices makes all the difference in developing a rich, flavorful chili. Start with your preferred amounts, taste as you go, and adjust as needed.

Chili Toppings

• Shredded cheese
• Avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Jalapeño (optional)

Homemade Garlic Bread

• Rosemary sourdough bread (or your favorite bread)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Olive oil, for stovetop toasting (optional)

Instructions

Beef Chili

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño (optional), sautéing until softened and fragrant.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Once the beef is about halfway cooked, generously season with chili powder, ancho chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, adobo seasoning or salt, and brown sugar. Add the bay leaf and stir well to evenly incorporate the seasonings. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
5. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, and sweet corn, followed by the crushed tomatoes and beef or vegetable broth.
6. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure all the ingredients and seasonings are evenly incorporated.
7. Increase the heat and bring the chili to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
8. Give the chili a final stir and taste, adjusting the seasonings as needed. Add more of whichever spices you feel could use a boost. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little more broth.
9. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, jalapeño (optional), and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with rosemary garlic bread on the side, and/or pair with your preferred side (rice, tortilla chips, cornbread, etc)

Homemade Garlic Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well incorporated.
3. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over both sides of each slice of rosemary sourdough bread.
4. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and lightly crisp.
5. Serve warm alongside your chili!

Tip: If you prefer a quicker option, you can also toast the garlic bread on the stovetop. Simply heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat and toast each side until golden brown and lightly crisp, keeping an eye on the garlic to prevent burning. This is the method I personally used!