Hearty Homestyle Tomato Chili: A Comforting Classic

Recipe by Peter G

Published October 02, 2025

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this robust and flavorful tomato-based chili. Packed with savory beef, a blend of hearty beans, and a rich, spiced tomato sauce, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser for chilly evenings or game day gatherings. This recipe brings a classic, satisfying warmth to your table.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika (if using), and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), rinsed kidney beans, rinsed pinto beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper, richer flavor, allow it to simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Taste the chili and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Final Notes

This hearty tomato chili is fantastic served with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a handful of fresh cilantro. Don't forget a side of warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping! It’s even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

About the Author

Peter G

Cooking is my passion. I love blogging and sharing my creative recipes with the world. With my busy lifestyle, it can be challenging to create new recipes, write posts, and ensure everything is formatted and presented well. I started MealMagX for this very reason—for those who share my passion for creative cooking but may not have the time to maintain a blog.

Hearty Homestyle Tomato Chili: A Comforting Classic

Ingredients

Instructions

Final Notes

Categories

About the Author

Peter G