The Best Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’ve come to the right place! I’m excited to share my favorite chili recipe with you—truly, The Best Chili Recipe you’ll ever make. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, as it’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The best part? It comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Chili has a special way of bringing people together. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or just craving something comforting at home, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, so everyone can enjoy it just the way they like!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This chili comes together in just over an hour with minimal fuss. Perfect for novice cooks!
• Family-Friendly: With its rich flavors and delicious toppings, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this chili in advance and reheat it when needed—great for meal prep!
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Nothing beats that warm, spicy goodness on a chilly day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to whip up this delicious chili! With just a few staples from your kitchen, you’ll create a meal that everyone will love.

For the Chili

• 1 pound bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained (not rinsed)
• 2 cups broth (beef broth, bone broth, chicken or vegetable), plus more as needed

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Tabasco sauce

Variations

This chili recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add some heat: Spice things up by adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mix.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute the meat with extra beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Change up the beans: Use black beans or pinto beans if you prefer different textures.

How to Make The Best Chili Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by adding the chopped bacon to a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Once it starts sizzling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover it with a lid. Cooking low and slow allows the bacon to render its fat beautifully while becoming crisp and golden. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to paper towels—this will help keep it crispy!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of reserved bacon grease back into your Dutch oven. Now it’s time to brown the ground beef! Season it with salt and pepper while cooking. Browning adds depth of flavor to our chili and creates that signature savory taste we all love.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Next, add another tablespoon of bacon grease if needed and toss in your diced onions. Cook them over medium heat until they soften and become translucent—about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because sautéing the onions brings out their natural sweetness. Add in your spices: cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and sugar—they’ll work wonders in enhancing the overall flavor!

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Some Beans

Once your onion mixture reaches that lovely simmering point, return both the cooked bacon and browned beef back into the pot. Stir in those kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth. Mixing everything together ensures that each bite is packed with flavor!

Step 5: Simmer

Let your chili simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully! If it seems too thick at any point, feel free to add additional broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Finally, ladle generous portions into bowls and top them off with whatever makes your heart happy—sour cream for creaminess, shredded cheddar cheese for richness, or chopped green onions for freshness. And don’t forget a dash of Tabasco if you like some heat! Enjoy every warm bite; this is comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Chili Recipe

Making the best chili is all about enhancing flavors and perfecting textures, so here are some helpful tips to elevate your dish!

• Use fresh spices – Fresh spices release more oils and flavors, giving your chili a depth that stale spices can’t provide. Always check the expiration date of your spices before using them.

• Let it simmer longer – The longer you allow your chili to simmer, the more all the flavors meld together. If time allows, consider letting it cook for an hour or even two for a richer taste.

• Adjust thickness with broth – If you find your chili too thick, simply add a bit more broth. It’s better to start thick and adjust as needed; you can always add more liquid!

• Taste as you go – Don’t be afraid to taste and tweak! Adjust seasoning gradually during cooking to achieve your perfect balance of flavors without overpowering the dish.

• Chill overnight – Chili often tastes even better the next day. Consider making it ahead of time and storing it in the fridge overnight to let those flavors develop further.

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving up your delicious chili can be just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation pop.

Garnishes

• Shredded cheese – A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese adds creaminess and flavor that beautifully complements the spice of the chili.
• Chopped fresh herbs – Cilantro or parsley can provide a refreshing touch that balances out the richness of the dish.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a smooth tanginess that pairs perfectly with spicy chili.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread – Sweet, buttery cornbread is a classic pairing that soaks up all those delicious chili juices while providing a delightful contrast in texture.
• Tortilla chips – Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up chili and add an enjoyable crunch that enhances each bite.
• Rice or quinoa – A side of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa can help make your meal heartier while balancing out the spiciness of the chili.
• Mixed greens salad – A light salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing element that cuts through the richness of the chili.

Now you’re all set to enjoy and share this incredible dish! Whether it’s game day or just a cozy family dinner, this is truly The Best Chili Recipe you’ll want on repeat. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This chili recipe is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge and can be made in large batches, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the chili into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing

• Let the chili completely cool before freezing.
• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone!

What makes The Best Chili Recipe stand out?

The Best Chili Recipe stands out due to its rich flavor profile, featuring a perfect balance of spices and hearty ingredients like ground beef and kidney beans. Each bite is comforting and satisfying, making it a favorite for family dinners!

Can I make The Best Chili Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this chili vegetarian-friendly, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein or extra beans. You can also replace broth with vegetable broth for a delicious meatless option.

How do I adjust the spice level in The Best Chili Recipe?

To adjust the spice level, you can add more chili powder or include spicy peppers such as jalapeños or serranos. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of chili powder used or opt for sweet paprika instead.

How long does it take to make The Best Chili Recipe?

The total time to make The Best Chili Recipe is approximately 75 minutes—15 minutes of prep time followed by about an hour of cooking. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making The Best Chili Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings friends and family together. Experiment with your favorite toppings and share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!