Midwestern Chili Recipe: Classic Comfort in Every Bite

When you think of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, Midwestern chili stands out as a true classic. Originating from the heartland of America, this chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines simple ingredients with bold spices to create a meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or game day celebrations.

Unlike the spicier versions popular in the Southwest, Midwestern chili tends to be rich, thick, and packed with ground beef, beans, and a unique blend of seasonings that bring out a deep, satisfying taste.

This recipe is not just about the robust flavors; it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find this chili straightforward and rewarding.

Plus, it pairs wonderfully with cornbread, baked potatoes, or even a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Ready to dive into the heart of Midwestern cooking?

Let’s explore why this chili recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Midwestern chili recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and depth, making it approachable for home cooks but satisfying enough for chili enthusiasts. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Hearty and filling: The combination of ground beef and beans makes this chili a complete meal that keeps you energized and warm.
• Balanced flavors: Unlike overly spicy chilis, a mild heat balanced with savory and slightly sweet notes.
• Easy to customize: You can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings to suit your taste.
• Great for meal prep: It reheats beautifully, making it a great dish to cook in advance for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can opener
• Colander (for rinsing beans)
• Serving bowls and utensils

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Open and rinse the beans to reduce excess sodium.
2. Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent.
4. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
6. Season the beef: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices, enhancing their flavor.
7. Add tomato paste and liquids: Stir in the tomato paste until well combined. Then add the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Mix thoroughly.
8. Add the beans: Fold in the rinsed kidney and pinto beans, stirring gently to combine.
9. Simmer the chili: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chili simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you want a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef in batches to avoid steaming it. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based substitute to lighten the dish.”

• Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the meat and use extra beans or lentils. You can find amazing vegetarian chili ideas in our Betty Crocker Vegetarian Chili Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
• Slow cooker adaptation: Brown the beef and sauté onions, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Use different beans: Try black beans or chili beans for a different texture and flavor.
• Add veggies: Diced bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms can add texture and nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Midwestern chili shines when paired with classic sides that complement its hearty nature. Consider these ideas:

• Warm cornbread: A sweet, buttery slice of cornbread is an unbeatable match.
• Baked potatoes: Spoon chili over a fluffy baked potato for a filling meal.
• Rice: Serve chili over steamed white or brown rice for a comforting bowl.
• Salad: Balance the richness with a fresh salad like our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
• Toppings: Add shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or jalapeños to customize each bowl.

Conclusion

Midwestern chili is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its simple ingredients and rich flavors make it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

The balance of tender beef, hearty beans, and aromatic spices creates a bowl that’s satisfying and deeply flavorful without overwhelming heat. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite toppings and sides, this chili is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Try making a big batch to enjoy leftovers or share with family and friends. And if you’re interested in exploring more comforting and wholesome dishes, check out our delicious Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or the easy and vibrant Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Midwestern Chili Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and comforting chili with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a cozy family meal on a chilly day.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H”, “totalTime”: “PT1H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb ground beef”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes”, “1 cup beef broth”, “2 tbsp chili powder”, “1 tsp ground cumin”, “1 tsp smoked paprika”, “1/2 tsp black pepper”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1 tbsp olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, kidney beans, and pinto beans.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28 g”}}