There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty, homemade chili to bring comfort to your table. This easy Southern chili recipe keeps things simple while delivering that classic, homemade taste you crave. Whether you like it mild or spicy, loaded with toppings or straight from the pot, this chili is a must-try for any comfort food lover!
Chili is truly a love language where I grew up in Eastern Kentucky. I know different regions of the US have varied opinions on what makes a great bowl of chili, but THIS simple recipe is my go-to when I want a classic and hearty bowl of chili without any frills.
Now that I live in the greater Cincinnati area, I’ve also grown to live Cincinnati style chili. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend checking out Skyline Chili and making my Skyline chili dip!
It’s the perfect make-ahead meal and will warm you up from the inside out when you eat it. It’s perfect for game-days, snow days, or random Tuesdays. YUM!
Why You’ll Love This Southern Chili Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful & Hearty: A comforting bowl of chili packed with protein and warming spices.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day!
- Budget Friendly: Grab some ground beef on sale and add in affordable chili beans plus spices and canned tomatoes for an affordable, filling, and balanced meal.
Ingredients in This Southern Chili Recipe
- Lean Ground Beef – The heart of this chili, providing a rich, meaty flavor and protein.
- Onion – Adds depth and a slight sweetness, enhancing the overall taste.
- Tomato Sauce – Creates a thick and tangy base for the chili.
- Water or Broth – Use water or broth to thin the tomato sauce.
- Chili Beans – Brings texture and additional flavor while making the dish extra filling.
- Chili Powder – The key spice that gives chili its signature warm and smoky flavor. Feel free to add store bought chili mix instead or add extra seasonings like garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, etc.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.
- Optional Veggies – This recipe is for my basic beef chili but it’s also a great base recipe for a number of add-ins. We like jalapeños, diced bell pepper, corn, and more. The sky is the limit.
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded Cheese – Adds creaminess and richness.
- Chopped Onion – For extra crunch and bite.
- Cilantro – A fresh, herby contrast to the rich chili.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Helps balance the spice with a cool, tangy touch.
- Hot Sauce – Kick up the heat with your favorite variety.
- Crackers, Tortilla Chips, or Fritos Chips – Perfect for scooping or adding crunch.
Tips and Substitutions
- Make it Spicier: Add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or extra chili powder.
- Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
- Thicker Chili: Simmer longer or add a small amount of masa harina or cornstarch.
- Make it a One-Pot Meal: Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
How to Store This Southern Chili Recipe
This is a PERFECT prep ahead meal. We often make a double batch of this and freeze individual portions for nights when we just need a last minute comforting meal. Chili is one of the few meals that are even better as leftovers.
Refrigerator:
- Let chili cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
- Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Reheating:
- Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If using a microwave, reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Southern Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the ground beef and onion first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
What can I serve with chili?
Cornbread, rice, baked potatoes, or a simple side salad all pair well with this dish.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pot and double all the ingredients for a bigger batch.
How do I adjust the spice level?
For milder chili, reduce the chili powder. For spicier chili, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.
This Easy Southern Chili Recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Try it today and let me know your favorite toppings in the comments!
Looking for a lighter, veggie packed option? Check out my copycat Panera turkey chili recipe!
Happy cooking!
Delicious & Easy Homemade Southern Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to make? This Easy Southern Chili Recipe is packed with rich flavors, simple ingredients, and plenty of Southern charm. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a game-day gathering, this chili is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1.5 LB lean ground beef
- 1 large onion
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce (or 1 28 oz can)
- 28–30 oz water (use it to rinse the tomato sauce cans and pour into chili) Can also use beef broth.
- 2 15.5 oz cans mild chili beans
- 3T Chili powder (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings: shredded cheese, chopped onion, cilantro, sour cream, hot sauce, crackers, tortilla chips, Fritos
Instructions
CROCKPOT DIRECTIONS:
- Dice onion.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Saute onion for 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground beef.
- Chop and cook through.
- Add seasonings: chili powder, salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices such as cumin.
- Add all other ingredients to a crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
STOVETOP DIRECTIONS:
- Dice onion.
- Heat dutch over medium heat.
- Saute onion for 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground beef.
- Chop and cook through.
- Add seasonings: chili powder, salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices such as cumin.
- Add all other ingredients and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce to low heat and cook for a minimum of 30 minutes, but the longer you cook the more the flavors will meld.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker chili, add an additional ½ lb of ground beef or an additional can of chili beans. We prefer ours a little “soupier” or thinner
- Cumin is another great and common spice to add to chili. My family doesn’t prefer it so I omit, but feel free to include it to taste. I’d start with one tablespoon.
- This chili is even better served as leftovers than it is when originally cooked. It’s great for meal prep and can easily be frozen and reheated at a later time.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
