Ron’s Chili Recipe: Easy and Delicious Homemade Chili

Updated On: October 18, 2025

Welcome to Ron’s Chili Recipe, a hearty and flavorful dish that has been a family favorite for years. Whether you’re looking for the perfect comfort food on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this chili ticks all the boxes.

Combining rich spices, tender ground beef, and a medley of beans, Ron’s chili is both satisfying and easy to prepare. The secret lies in the slow simmering, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a robust and warming meal that everyone will love.

This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. With straightforward ingredients and clear instructions, you can whip up a pot of this delicious chili in under two hours.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Dive in and discover why Ron’s chili is the go-to recipe for chili lovers everywhere!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ron’s chili is a perfect balance of spicy and savory, making it a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. The combination of ground beef, kidney beans, and a rich tomato base creates a hearty texture that’s filling without being heavy.

What sets this recipe apart is the thoughtful blend of spices, which adds depth and complexity to each bite.

Additionally, this chili is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the heat to your liking, swap beans, or add vegetables to suit your dietary needs.

It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish; the flavors develop even more after a day or two in the fridge. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a game day party, Ron’s chili is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Can opener
  • Colander (for rinsing beans)
  • Ladle (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Open and rinse the kidney and black beans under cold water using a colander. Set everything aside.
  2. Brown the ground beef. Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Sauté the aromatics. Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the spices. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and onions evenly with the spices.
  5. Incorporate tomato products and broth. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  6. Add the beans. Fold in the rinsed kidney and black beans. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
  7. Simmer the chili. Cover the pot partially with the lid and let the chili simmer for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
  8. Adjust seasoning and serve. Taste your chili and adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne if you want more heat. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes or add a tablespoon of masa harina or cornmeal to thicken the texture.

If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with extra beans or textured vegetable protein (TVP). You can also add diced bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

Want a smoky depth? Try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a dash of liquid smoke.

For a milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 25 g
Fat 15 g
Carbohydrates 20 g
Fiber 7 g
Sodium 580 mg
Sugar 6 g

Serving Suggestions

Ron’s chili is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy it on its own with a sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a classic finish.

For a heartier meal, serve over steamed rice or alongside warm cornbread.

It also makes a fantastic topping for baked potatoes or nachos. If you want to turn it into a chili dog topping, spoon it over grilled hot dogs and add your favorite fixings.

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out your meal.

Conclusion

Ron’s chili recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting tradition that brings family and friends together. Its rich, hearty flavors and easy preparation make it a staple for cold evenings, casual dinners, and festive gatherings.

With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious every time.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this chili will soon become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to try it alongside other delicious dishes like Classic Beef Stew, Spicy Chicken Tacos, or Homemade Cornbread to complete your meal.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Ron's Chili Recipe

Description: A hearty and flavorful chili packed with ground beef, beans, and spices. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT1H45M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, beans, and beef broth; stir well.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 30 g

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Marta K

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