Back to Recipes
Homemade Chili

USA

Homemade Chili

A hearty American classic with homegrown tomatoes, peppers, and beans.

~80 mintotal~194 kcalper serving~9g protein~23g carbs~8g fat

Estimated. Worked out from the ingredients using the UK food composition tables, so treat it as a guide rather than a measurement. A typical recipe lands within about a quarter of the true figure. Makes about 4.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 3 cups chopped tomatoes
  • 2 cups cooked beans (kidney, black, or pinto)
  • 1 cup vegetable or beef stock
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper
  • Optional: jalapeños, corn, ground beef, fresh cilantro, sour cream

Cooking Steps

  1. Heat oil. Cook onions, garlic, peppers until softened

  2. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika. Toast briefly

  3. Stir in tomatoes and stock. Simmer 10 minutes

  4. Drain and rinse beans. Add with salt and pepper

  5. Simmer 30-45 minutes for richer flavor

  6. Top with cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños

Optional Enhancements

  • Vegetarian: add zucchini, sweetcorn, and extra beans
  • Texas-style: no beans, added beef cubes
  • Smoky Southwest: add chipotle peppers
  • Autumn version: add cubed butternut or pumpkin

Plant & Growing Tips

  • Tomatoes: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Require full sun
  • Peppers & Jalapeños: Start indoors with tomatoes but need warmer soil
  • Beans: Direct sow after frost when soil reaches 60-70°F

Natural Pest Control

  • Neem oil weekly for aphids and whiteflies
  • Basil improves tomato flavor and repels flies
  • Marigolds deter bean nematodes

Harvest

  • Tomatoes: Harvest when deep red and slightly soft
  • Peppers: Green = underripe, full color = ripe
  • Beans: Harvest pods when firm but not bulging

Storing & Freezing

Refrigerate 4-5 days. Freeze up to 3 months (improves in flavor when reheated).

More recipes

See all ›
55 minAmericanBaked Mac & Cheese with Garden Herbs~1165 kcal~45g protein75 minAmericanApple Pie~319 kcal~8g protein55 minAmericanNew England Clam Chowder (Garden Version)~239 kcal~11g protein145 minAmericanBeef Stew with Root Vegetables (Midwest Style)~255 kcal~28g protein65 minAmericanButternut Squash Soup~240 kcal~3g protein20 minAmericanHomemade Salsa Trio (Mild, Medium, Hot)~7 kcal~0g protein40 minAmericanSourdough Biscuits with Herb ButterRecipe35 minAmericanCornbread & Honey Butter~213 kcal~7g protein50 minAmericanPeach Cobbler~189 kcal~5g protein40 minAmericanGarden Vegetable Pizza~439 kcal~19g protein75 minAmericanSouthern Collard Greens~81 kcal~10g proteinAmericanGrilled Zucchini Boats with Tomato-Basil Topping~132 kcal~3g protein

Make this easier with Visionary

Scan any food in secondsPoint your camera at a meal or label and log it. No weighing, no database hunting.The best MyFitnessPal alternativesFive apps compared on tracking, training and coaching, not just calorie counting.