A warm bowl of chili always feels like comfort. This Chili’s Chili Recipe brings that same cozy flavor to your home. It is rich, bold and full of warm spices. The beef cooks low and slow until very tender.
The sauce becomes thick and deep in flavor. You only need simple pantry items and the steps are very easy. You can make this for dinner, game night, or a cold winter day.
When people ask how to make Chili’s Chili, they are always surprised at how simple it is. The recipe uses basic spices and fresh ingredients. The taste is strong, smoky, and a little spicy.
This dish fills your home with the best smell. If you want a warm and hearty meal, this chili is perfect. Today, I will share the full recipe, tips, and serving ideas.
My Experience With This Recipe
I love this recipe because it tastes rich with very little effort. The slow cooking does most of the work. The chili comes out thick, meaty and full of flavor. The beef becomes soft and juicy. The spices blend perfectly.
This is one of those meals that feel even better the next day. I often make a big batch and save the rest for lunch. It is also great for friends and family because everyone enjoys the warm, cozy flavor.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Chili’s Chili Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Total Time: 75 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients You Need for Chili’s Chili Recipe
For the Chili
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Brown the beef
Heat oil in a pot. Add ground beef. Cook until browned and break it into small pieces.
2. Add onion and garlic
Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant while stirring gently for even cooking.
3. Add the spices
Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the beef completely.
4. Add tomatoes and broth
Pour in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
5. Add the beans
Add kidney beans and gently mix them in. Make sure the beans stay whole and do not break.
6. Simmer the chili
Reduce heat. Let the chili cook for 45 minutes. Stir sometimes to avoid burning.
7. Adjust seasonings
Taste your chili. Add more salt or chili powder if you want stronger or spicier flavor.
8. Serve hot
Serve the chili warm. Add toppings like cheese or sour cream for extra flavor and creaminess.
Recipe Tips
- Brown the beef very well for deep flavor.
- Do not rush the simmering step. Slow cooking makes rich chili.
- Add more broth if you want thinner chili.
- Add more chili powder for extra heat.
- Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving. It thickens more.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 18g |
Serving Suggestions
Chili tastes amazing with simple sides. You can serve it with warm bread, rice or mashed potatoes. It also tastes great on top of nachos, fries, or baked potatoes. Add toppings like shredded cheese, fresh onions, cilantro or sour cream. Each topping adds a new layer of flavor and texture.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Cornbread
- Garlic bread
- Steamed rice
- Tortilla chips
- Roasted vegetables
- Baked potatoes
Storage and Reheating Tips
Let the chili cool before storing. Keep it in an airtight box. It lasts 4 days in the fridge. You can freeze it for 2 months. Reheat on the stove with a little water or broth. Heat slowly and stir often. The flavor becomes even better the next day.

Chili’s Chili Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Brown the beef
- Heat oil in a pot. Add ground beef. Cook until browned and break it into small pieces.
Add onion and garlic
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant while stirring gently for even cooking.
Add the spices
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the beef completely.
Add tomatoes and broth
- Pour in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
Add the beans
- Add kidney beans and gently mix them in. Make sure the beans stay whole and do not break.
Simmer the chili
- Reduce heat. Let the chili cook for 45 minutes. Stir sometimes to avoid burning.
Adjust seasonings
- Taste your chili. Add more salt or chili powder if you want stronger or spicier flavor.
Serve hot
- Serve the chili warm. Add toppings like cheese or sour cream for extra flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Brown the beef very well for deep flavor.
- Do not rush the simmering step. Slow cooking makes rich chili.
- Add more broth if you want thinner chili.
- Add more chili powder for extra heat.
- Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving. It thickens more.
FAQs about Chili’s Chili Recipe
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can use ground chicken. But the flavor will be lighter. Add extra chili powder and cumin to make the taste richer and deeper.
2. Can I make this chili without beans?
Yes. Many people enjoy chili without beans. Just skip the beans and add a little extra beef or broth for better texture and balance.
3. Why is my chili too watery?
Your chili needs more simmering time. Cook it uncovered for 10 to 15 more minutes. This helps thicken the sauce naturally without extra ingredients.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then add everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours for deep, rich flavor that tastes amazing.
Conclusion
This Chili’s Chili Recipe is warm, hearty and full of rich flavor. It uses simple ingredients and very easy steps.
The chili tastes bold, smoky and comforting. Now you know how to make Chili’s Chili at home with just one pot. Enjoy this cozy meal with your family and friends anytime!
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Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















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