Chili Is the Perfect and Simple Winter Meal
When winter settles in and the days grow colder, there’s nothing quite like a pot of chili simmering on the stove. It’s warm, filling, and wonderfully simple — the kind of meal that brings everyone together after a long day and makes the whole house smell like comfort.
Here on the farm, chili is one of our go-to winter meals. It’s easy to make, stretches to feed a crowd, and tastes even better the next day. Best of all, it uses basic pantry ingredients and can be adapted to whatever you have on hand.
🌶️ Why Chili Works So Well in Winter
It’s simple.
Chili doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Brown some meat, add beans, tomatoes, and spices, and let it simmer. That’s it.
It’s hearty and nourishing.
Between protein, beans, and warming spices, chili fills you up and keeps you satisfied — perfect for cold days and busy schedules.
It’s flexible.
Chili can be made a dozen different ways: beef, turkey, venison, vegetarian, spicy, mild, thick, or soupy. It’s one of those meals that welcomes creativity.
🍲 A Basic Farmhouse Chili Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or venison)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1–2 cans beans (kidney, pinto, or black)
Chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste
Directions:
Brown the meat with onion and garlic. Add remaining ingredients and seasonings. Simmer on low for at least 30 minutes — longer if you have the time.
Serve warm with sourdough bread, biscuits, or even in a sourdough bread bowl for the ultimate winter comfort meal.
🥖 Make It a Meal
Chili pairs perfectly with simple sides:
Fresh sourdough bread or cornbread
Sourdough bread bowls
A sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream
Crackers or biscuits for dipping
❄️ Perfect for Busy Days
Chili is one of those meals that works hard for you. Make a big batch, freeze leftovers, or reheat it for quick lunches and easy dinners throughout the week. It’s comfort food that keeps giving.
🤍 Winter Comfort, Made Simple
Chili reminds us that winter meals don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes the best food is the simplest — warm, familiar, and shared with the people you love.
When the cold settles in, put a pot of chili on the stove, slice some bread, and gather around the table. That’s winter living at its best.
