Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Homestyle Chili With Beans

Creamy, comforting, and weeknight-friendly chili with tender beans, cozy spice, and a mellow swirl of cream cheese for that can’t-stop-scooping finish.

Author By Matt Campbell
A steaming bowl of homestyle chili with beans topped with shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on a wooden table
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Some nights you want a dinner that feels like it’s giving you a hug, but you also want it to be easy. This homestyle chili with beans lives in that sweet spot. It is thick, spoonable, and loaded with tender beans, plus a little creamy magic that rounds out the spice and makes the whole pot taste like it’s been simmering all day.

Here’s my promise: accessible ingredients, clear steps, and plenty of room for your personal chili opinions. Want it thicker? There is a simple trick. Want it spicier? Easy. Want to feed a crew and still have leftovers for tomorrow’s nachos? That is the dream and it happens here.

A pot of chili simmering on the stove with a wooden spoon resting on the rim, beans and ground beef visible in the sauce

Why It Works

  • Big homestyle flavor, low drama. Browning the beef with onion and spices builds a savory base fast, no fussy steps.
  • Beans that actually taste like something. A mix of chili beans and kidney or pinto gives you creamy and firm textures in the same bowl.
  • That creamy, comforting finish. A small amount of cream cheese melts in at the end for a mellow, velvety chili that still tastes like chili.
  • Thick, scoopable consistency. A short simmer plus a quick mash trick gets you that “sticks to the spoon” vibe.
  • Easy to customize. Make it mild for kids, hotter for heat-seekers, or stretch it with extra beans and broth.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Cool promptly, then store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. It will thicken as it sits, which is honestly a perk.

Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers or zip-top bags (laid flat) for up to 3 months. Leave a little space for expansion.

Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium-low, stirring often. Add a splash of water or broth if it has tightened up. Microwave works too, just stir halfway so it heats evenly.

Make-ahead tip: Chili tastes even better the next day. If you are cooking for company, make it the night before and reheat gently.

Common Questions

What makes this chili creamy?

A small amount of cream cheese melted in at the end. It does not make it taste like dip. It just softens the acidity of the tomatoes and gives you a richer, smoother texture while still tasting like classic homestyle chili.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef and onions first, then add everything except the cream cheese and vinegar or lime juice to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until hot throughout and the flavors are blended. Chili thickness can vary by cooker, so if it looks thick early on, splash in a little broth. Stir in the cream cheese during the last 20 to 30 minutes (on low if you can), then finish with vinegar or lime juice right before serving.

How do I thicken chili without adding weird stuff?

Two easy ways: simmer uncovered a little longer, or mash about 1 cup of beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in. Instant body, no mystery.

Is this spicy?

It is mild to medium depending on your chili powder and whether you add cayenne. Keep it mild by skipping cayenne and using a mild chili powder. Also note that chili beans in sauce vary by brand, and some are hotter and saltier than others.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Use ground turkey (93% lean is great) and add an extra tablespoon of oil when browning if it looks dry.

What beans should I use?

My favorite combo is chili beans plus kidney or pinto. Black beans also work if that is what you have.

Any easy dietary notes?

Dairy-free: Skip the cream cheese or use a dairy-free alternative you like. The chili will still be delicious, just less creamy.
Gluten: Worcestershire sauce can contain gluten depending on the brand, so check the label if you need it gluten-free.

This is the chili I make when I want the kitchen to feel like a kitchen. Onion hits the pot, the spices wake up, and suddenly everyone is hovering like they “just happened” to wander in. I started doing the cream cheese swirl on a cold weeknight when my chili tasted a little too sharp and tomato-forward. I tossed in a couple chunks, stirred, tasted, and had that mid-bite pause moment. The kind where you stop talking because your brain is busy filing it under keep this forever.