Hearty Homemade Chili Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
There’s nothing quite like a big pot of homemade chili simmering on the stove to fill your home with warmth and the tantalizing aroma of spices. This hearty homemade chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser, brimming with tender cuts of stew meat, ground pork, ground beef, and a medley of beans. Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Chili is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. I can still remember family dinners with bowls of steaming chili topped with sour cream and shredded cheese. The first bite was always the best, with its perfect mix of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen too!
Why This Chili Recipe Stands Out
This chili isn’t your average recipe. It combines three types of meat—stew meat, ground beef, and ground pork—for a rich, hearty base. Add a hint of sweetness from molasses and the perfect amount of heat from serrano peppers. The beans (a blend of kidney, black, and Great Northern) add texture and make it an all-in-one meal. The secret ingredient? Carol Shelby’s chili seasoning packs a flavor punch like no other!
Before diving into the recipe, here’s the handwritten version—a little piece of culinary history! This recipe has been shared and loved, and seeing it written out adds a personal, nostalgic touch.
Ingredients
Meat & Protein
- 1 ½ lbs stew meat, trimmed and cubed
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
Beans & Tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can dark kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can Great Northern beans, drained
- 2 (16 oz) cans diced tomatoes (seasoned, if available)
- 4-5 (16 oz) cans tomato sauce
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 whole onion, finely diced
- 1 serrano pepper, seeded but with veins intact, finely diced
Spices & Flavorings
- 2 packages Carol Shelby’s chili seasoning
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed stew meat and brown it on all sides. Sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper while browning for a burst of flavor.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Toss in the finely diced onions and stir for about 1 minute, allowing them to soften slightly. Remove the pot from heat.
Step 3: Layer the Flavors
Add the ground beef, ground pork, and serrano pepper to the pot. Mix everything together, ensuring the meats are well broken apart and evenly distributed.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Beans
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and drained beans. Stir in the two packages of Carol Shelby’s chili seasoning. Add additional tomato sauce if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Sweeten and Spice
Stir in molasses, bay leaves, and white vinegar. This step adds a subtle sweetness and depth to balance the chili’s smoky and spicy notes.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chili
- Customize the Heat: For extra spice, leave the seeds in the serrano pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make It Your Own: Top your chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- Let It Rest: Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop—perfect for leftovers!
Conclusion
This hearty homemade chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether for a weeknight dinner or a game-day feast. The combination of meats, beans, and spices creates a robust, satisfying bowl of chili that warms the soul.
So, gather your ingredients, get your pot simmering, and prepare to serve up a meal your family and friends will request again and again. Enjoy!
