The Best Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal, you’ve come to the right place! This is truly The Best Chili Recipe I’ve ever made, and I can’t wait to share it with you. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of chili, especially on chilly nights or during family gatherings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just whipping up a cozy dinner for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.

What makes this chili special? It’s not just delicious; it’s easy to make with simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this tasty chili simmering away on your stove.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good bowl of chili! This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Chili tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable Options: You can easily tweak the spices or add your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this amazing chili. Nothing fancy here, just real food that will warm your heart and fill your belly!

For the Base

• 1 pound bacon (chopped into small pieces)
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 medium onions (diced)

Spices & Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Tomatoes & Beans

• 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)

Broth

• 2 cups broth (beef broth, bone broth, chicken, vegetable—plus more as needed)

Optional Toppings

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your chili:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add some heat: If you like spice, throw in some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian option: Replace meat with extra beans and lentils for a hearty vegetarian chili.
• Change up the beans: Try black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans for a different flavor profile.

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. The sizzling sound will be music to your ears! Once it’s hot and popping, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover it with a lid. Cooking low and slow helps render out all that delicious fat while making the bacon nice and crispy. Once golden brown, remove the bacon from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside on paper towels. Be sure to reserve about 2 tablespoons of that flavorful bacon grease!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In that same pot, add 1 tablespoon of reserved bacon grease over medium-high heat. Then toss in your ground beef! Browning the beef adds richness and depth to your chili. Season it with salt and pepper while it cooks until browned. Once done, transfer it to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Now it’s time for those onions! Add another tablespoon of bacon grease (if needed) back into your pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This step is key as sautéing brings out their natural sweetness. Sprinkle in salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and sugar—mix well! Stir in tomato paste and allow it to cook for another minute before adding diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring everything to a simmer; this is where all those flavors start melding together beautifully.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Some Beans

As soon as everything starts bubbling away nicely, return both bacon and browned ground beef back into the pot. Next up? Stir in those kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth (you get choose between beef, bone, chicken or vegetable broths!). Mixing everything well ensures each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow your chili to gently simmer for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This is when all those wonderful flavors get cozy together! Don’t forget to taste along the way; feel free to add more salt or spices if needed—and if your chili looks too thick, just stir in additional broth until it’s just right.

Step 6: Serve

Finally, serve up bowls of this incredible chili topped with your favorites—sour cream for creaminess, shredded cheddar cheese for richness, chopped green onions for freshness, or even Tabasco sauce if you’re feeling spicy!

Enjoy every comforting spoonful of what truly is The Best Chili Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Chili Recipe

Making the best chili is all about the little things that elevate the dish, so here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your chili is a crowd-pleaser!

• Choose Quality Ingredients – Using fresh vegetables and high-quality meat can significantly enhance the flavor of your chili. Fresh ingredients often have more nutrients and taste better, leading to a richer overall dish.

• Don’t Rush the Cooking Process – Allowing your chili to simmer for longer develops deeper flavors. The longer you let it sit, the more the spices and ingredients meld together, creating a robust and satisfying meal.

• Adjust Consistency Carefully – If your chili is too thick, add broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency. This prevents it from becoming too soupy or watery and allows you to maintain control over the thickness.

• Taste and Adjust Seasonings – Before serving, always taste your chili! Adding extra salt, pepper, or spices can make a world of difference in flavor. Every palate is different, so adjusting at the end allows you to customize it just right.

• Let It Rest – If time permits, letting your chili rest for an hour or even overnight in the refrigerator allows flavors to develop even further. It often tastes even better the next day!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Presenting your chili beautifully can make mealtime more enjoyable! Here are some delicious ideas on how to serve this hearty dish.

Garnishes

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances out the heat of the spices.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melting cheese on top provides an extra layer of flavor and richness to each bowl.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a nice crunch and pop of color that enhances both presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread – Sweet, fluffy cornbread makes a perfect companion for soaking up all that delicious chili goodness.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips are great for dipping into your chili or crumbling on top as an added texture!
• Rice – Serving chili over rice is a classic pairing that stretches your meal further while adding a comforting element.
• Simple Salad – A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of chili.

Enjoy crafting this delightful meal with loved ones, and remember—sharing good food creates lasting memories!

Make Ahead and Storage

This chili recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store your delicious chili properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the chili completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
• Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 10-15 minutes).
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until warm.

FAQs

You might have some questions about making The Best Chili Recipe, so let’s tackle a few common ones!

What makes this the best chili recipe?

This recipe stands out because of its rich flavor profile and balance of spices, combined with hearty ingredients that create a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences!

Can I make The Best Chili Recipe without beans?

Absolutely! If you prefer a bean-free version, simply omit the kidney beans or substitute them with more meat or veggies.

How long does The Best Chili Recipe take to cook?

The total time is about 75 minutes, including prep and cooking. It’s worth every minute for that deep, savory flavor!

What can I serve with my chili?

Chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also add toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions to enhance the experience!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making The Best Chili Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings friends and family together. Whether it’s game day or just a cozy night at home, this chili is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to invite your loved ones over to share the love!