Why You’ll Love this Hearty Homestyle Ground Beef Chili
Every home cook needs a reliable chili recipe in their arsenal, and this hearty ground beef version will quickly become your go-to comfort food favorite. I’m obsessed with how this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and deep flavor. The combination of V-8 juice, tomato soup, and those perfectly tender kidney beans creates layers of comfort in every spoonful.
What I adore most is the flexibility—it’s ready in just 30 minutes, but honestly, the longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. It’s that rare dish that’s equally perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
What Ingredients are in Hearty Homestyle Ground Beef Chili?
This hearty ground beef chili recipe brings together a perfect balance of savory meat, rich tomato base, and perfectly tender beans. What makes this particular chili special is how it leverages pantry staples like Campbell’s tomato soup and V-8 juice to create depth of flavor without requiring dozens of spices or hard-to-find ingredients.
The combination might seem unusual at first glance, but trust me, these everyday items come together to create that comforting, homestyle taste we all crave when the weather turns chilly.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 14½ ounces diced tomatoes
- 10½ ounces Campbell’s tomato soup
- 24 ounces V-8 vegetable juice
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 48 ounces canned kidney beans
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- ½ cup catsup (ketchup)
When shopping for these ingredients, don’t worry too much about exact brands—though the recipe specifically calls for Campbell’s soup, your favorite brand will work just fine.
The chili powder amount might surprise you (only half a teaspoon?), but this isn’t meant to be a five-alarm fire chili. It’s designed for broad appeal, perfect for family dinners where not everyone loves intense heat.
Of course, if you’re a spice enthusiast like me, you might be tempted to increase the chili powder or add some cayenne pepper. The beauty of chili is its flexibility—these ingredients form a delicious foundation that you can easily adjust to suit your personal taste preferences.
How to Make this Hearty Homestyle Ground Beef Chili
Making homestyle chili couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort. Start by browning 1 lb of ground beef in a large pot until it’s no longer pink. While that’s cooking, you can prep your 1 diced onion and drain and rinse your 48 ounces of kidney beans. The browning process gives the meat those lovely caramelized bits that add so much depth of flavor—don’t rush this step, as it’s where a lot of the magic happens.
Once your beef is browned, it’s time for the mix-and-simmer phase. Add in your 14½ ounces of diced tomatoes, 10½ ounces of Campbell’s tomato soup, 24 ounces of V-8 vegetable juice, and 6 ounces of tomato paste. The combination of these tomato products creates a complex base with just the right thickness.
Then toss in your drained beans, 1 tablespoon of sugar (which balances the acidity), ½ teaspoon of chili powder (more if you like heat), 2 beef bouillon cubes for richness, and ½ cup of catsup. Who would’ve thought catsup in chili? Trust me, it adds a certain something that ties everything together.
Now just let it simmer on low for at least 30 minutes, though honestly, the longer it cooks, the better it gets. Want to make life even easier? Toss everything in a crockpot and let it do its thing while you go about your day.
Hearty Homestyle Ground Beef Chili Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe creates a delicious pot of chili, you’ll be thrilled to know there’s plenty of room for creativity with this versatile dish.
Try swapping ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for the beef if you’re looking for a lighter option. Not a fan of kidney beans? Black beans or pinto beans work beautifully, or mix all three for textural complexity.
For heat lovers, amp up the chili powder or add diced jalapeños—I’m a firm believer that a good chili should make you reach for your water glass at least once per bowl!
What to Serve with Hearty Homestyle Ground Beef Chili
What completes a steaming bowl of hearty homestyle chili better than perfect accompaniments that balance its rich, spicy flavors?
I’m passionate about creating a complete chili experience with thoughtful sides.
Cornbread is my go-to pairing—slightly sweet, crumbly, and perfect for sopping up that savory broth.
A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
Don’t forget the toppings bar: shredded cheddar, diced avocado, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and crunchy tortilla strips.
For beverages, an ice-cold beer or tart limeade complements the heat wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This ground beef chili recipe has become my kitchen companion through countless family gatherings, chilly evenings, and potluck dinners.
There’s something magical about a pot of chili simmering on the stove, filling your home with its aromatic embrace—a perfect blend of savory beef, tomato richness, and subtle spice.
I love how versatile it is; cook it quickly in 30 minutes when time’s tight, or let it develop deeper flavors over hours.
The beauty lies in its simplicity—quality ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.
Whether served in a bowl or atop cornbread, this chili delivers comfort in every spoonful.
