How To Make A Good Homemade Chilli
Learn how to make a good homemade chilli in this handy and engaging guide, teaching you how to make a variety of slow cooker and one-pot chilli dishes that are perfect for any occasion.
Nothing compares to the comfort of a good homemade chilli. Whether it’s the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen or the bold flavours that everyone loves, chilli is more than just a meal—it’s an experience!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make chilli easily at home, from Mexican-inspired ingredients to tips for slow cooking. Whether you’re making chilli for a cosy dinner or prepping for a crowd, we’re here to make cooking up good homemade chilli a breeze!
Making A Good Homemade Chilli: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making a good chilli is easier than you might think. Using high-quality ingredients and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a dish brimming with flavour.
Key Ingredients For A Mexican-Inspired Chilli
Here’s what you’ll need to create an exceptional chilli:
- Protein: Opt for traditional beef mince, turkey, chicken, or if you’re looking for a meat-free dish, a plant-based mince for a vegetarian twist.
- Beans: Kidney beans or black beans (drained and rinsed) give chilli its signature texture and substance.
- Tomatoes: Tinned tomatoes or a tomato-based sauce (like Old El Paso™ Enchilada Cooking Sauce) form chili’s flavourful base.
- Spices: Spices such as chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder are essential for depth.
- Vegetables: Fresh ingredients like onions, sweetcorn, and bell peppers add crunch and sweetness.
How To Make Chilli In A Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is a fantastic option for building rich, complex flavours with minimal effort that makes making chilli easy. Here’s how to make the perfect slow-cooked chilli:
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop onions, dice any vegetables, and brown your protein in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances flavour and ensures the meat is fully cooked.
- Layer Thoughtfully: Add rinsed beans, canned tomatoes, seasonings and any vegetables your recipe calls for to the cooker. Stir in Old El Paso™ Enchilada Cooking Sauce for a Mexican-inspired twist.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6–8 hours depending on the recipe. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavour distribution.
- Finish and Serve: Once done, garnish with fresh herbs like coriander, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness.
The result? A steaming bowl of chilli that’s tender, flavourful, and irresistibly comforting.
How Long Does It Take To Make Chilli
The beauty of chilli lies in its versatility, not just in flavour but also in preparation time. Whether you’re in a rush or have hours to spare, there’s an option for every schedule:
- Quick Method: Cooking chilli on the stovetop takes less than an hour. Try our Quick & Easy One-Pot Enchilada Chili recipe which we’ve included below, ready in just 45 minutes.
- Slow Cooker: For a more hands-off experience, let your slow cooker do the hard work. It’s the perfect solution for busy weekdays and we’ve included a few easy slow cooker chilli recipes below to help you whip up an easy meal no matter what your day looks like.
Pro Tip: Always ensure the internal temperature of your chilli reaches 75°C before serving for food safety.
Old El Paso’s One-Pot Enchilada Chili Recipe
This recipe combines simplicity with bold, Mexican-inspired flavours, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Recipe Name
Enchilada ChiliTotal Time
45 minutesSpice Level
MildServings
4Ingredients
Chilli
- 500g beef mince
- 1 onion, chopped
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes with chilli
- 1 jar (344g) Old El Paso™ Cooking Sauce for Enchiladas
- 250g tinned or frozen sweetcorn
- 395g tin mixed beans in chilli sauce
To Serve
- 50g Old El Paso™ Original Nachips™
- 40g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
Preparation
- Heat oil in a large saucepan, cook onion for 5 minutes, then add beef and cook for another 5 minutes. Ensure the beef mince is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C before serving.
- Add tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and sweetcorn, bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in beans and cook for 5-8 minutes until heated through.
- Serve with Nachips™ and cheese.
Expert Tips
- Serve with soured cream and guacamole for extra textures and flavour.
- Serve alongside rice for a more substantial meal.
Made With...
Mexican-Inspired Slow Cooker Chili Recipes
Slow Cooker Mole Chili
Slow Cooker Beef & Bean Chilli
Add A Personal Twist To Your Chilli
Chilli is endlessly customisable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Increase or lower the spice-level of your dish by adding more or less chilli.
- Top with fresh garnishes like coriander, spring onions, or crema for contrast.
- Serve creatively with tacos, rice, or jacket potatoes.
Don’t forget to grab Old El Paso™ Original Nachips™ as a crunchy accompaniment!
Let’s Make Chilli Together
Whether you’ve got a busy week ahead or are simply looking to try something different, there’s an easy chilli recipe for every occasion. Have you found a chilli recipe that sounds ideal for you? Now that you know how to make a good homemade chilli, it’s time to put your skills to the test!