Learn how to make the best chili recipe with this easy-to-follow guide. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or game day celebrations. With its rich flavors and customizable toppings, you’ll find that this chili recipe stands out as a favorite in any household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious chili ready in no time.
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of spices, tomatoes, and beans creates a robust flavor that satisfies every appetite.
- Versatile: Top it with your favorite ingredients like sour cream or cheese for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later.
- Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this chili recipe fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making the best chili recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven: Perfect for browning meat and simmering chili without spilling over.
- Slotted spoon: Helps you easily transfer cooked ingredients without excess grease or liquid.
Ingredients
Learn how to make the best chili recipe with this easy to follow recipe and enjoy year-round topped with gooey melted cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Turkey 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, vegetable) plus more as needed
– Optional Toppings (sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, Tabasco sauce)
How to Make The Best Chili Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon
Add the chopped Turkey Bacon to a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Once hot and sizzling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally. Once golden, uncover and cook until desired doneness is reached. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside and reserve 2 tablespoons of leftover grease.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of reserved Turkey Bacon grease back to your Dutch oven. Add the ground beef and brown it while seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer the beef to a clean plate when done.
Step 3: Cook the Onions
Add the remaining tablespoon of Turkey Bacon grease to your pot on medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft. Sprinkle in salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and sugar; mix well. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes while stirring continuously. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Beans
Once your onion-tomato mixture is simmering, return both the Turkey Bacon and browned beef back into the pot. Stir in drained kidney beans along with 2–3 cups of low-sodium broth (beef, bone chicken or vegetable). Mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Simmer
Allow your chili to simmer for 15–20 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning by adding extra salt or pepper if needed. If your chili is too thick, add additional broth until reaching desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your chili hot with all your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or Tabasco sauce if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe
Serving your chili just right can elevate the experience. Here are some delightful ways to serve The Best Chili Recipe that will please everyone at the table.
Toppings
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture and balances the spice.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melted cheese on top creates a rich, comforting finish.
- Chopped Green Onions – These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your bowl.
- Jalapeños – For those who like it spicy, sliced jalapeños provide an extra kick.
- Tobasco Sauce – A few drops can enhance the flavors for heat lovers.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread – This classic pairing complements chili perfectly with its sweet flavor and crumbly texture.
- Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips are great for dipping or adding crunch directly into your chili.
- Rice – Serve chili over rice for a filling meal that balances flavors well.
How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe
To ensure you create The Best Chili Recipe, consider these helpful tips. Each suggestion will help you refine your dish for maximum flavor.
- Choose Quality Meat – Using fresh ground beef enhances the overall taste of your chili.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Modify spices according to personal preference for heat and flavor balance.
- Let It Simmer Longer – Allowing the chili to simmer longer deepens the flavors and melds the ingredients beautifully.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth – This helps control salt levels without sacrificing flavor, making it healthier overall.
- Experiment with Beans – Try different types of beans beyond kidney beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for variety.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your chili can elevate the meal. Here are some fantastic choices that complement The Best Chili Recipe wonderfully.
- Cornbread – Sweet and moist, cornbread is a classic match for chili that soaks up all the delicious broth.
- Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf adds a nutty flavor and serves as a great base under your chili.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chili.
- Guacamole – Creamy guacamole offers a cool counterpart to spicy chili, perfect for topping or dipping.
- Stuffed Peppers – Baked peppers stuffed with rice and veggies make a nutritious side that pairs well with chili’s heartiness.
- Baked Potatoes – Serve baked potatoes topped with chili for a comforting twist on traditional sides.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chili can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to disappointing results. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the ground beef properly can result in a less flavorful chili. Take your time when browning the meat for richer flavor.
- Not seasoning enough: Chili needs ample seasoning to shine. Always taste and adjust spices, salt, and pepper before serving.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality tomatoes or broth can ruin your chili’s taste. Use fresh, high-quality canned tomatoes and good broth for the best flavor.
- Rushing the simmering process: Simmering develops flavors. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes; longer is often better!
- Overloading on beans: While beans add texture, too many can overwhelm your chili. Stick to the recipe proportions for balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Let the chili cool completely before sealing it.
Freezing The Best Chili Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Label with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating The Best Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl using medium power, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making The Best Chili Recipe:
What makes The Best Chili Recipe special?
This recipe combines rich flavors from ground beef, beans, and spices, creating a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Can I customize The Best Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn or adjust spices based on your preference.
How do I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, let it simmer uncovered longer or add a bit of cornmeal or masa harina as a thickening agent.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth.
Final Thoughts
The Best Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether topped with cheese or served alongside cornbread, this chili is perfect year-round. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
The Best Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Description
Discover the joy of preparing The Best Chili Recipe, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe combines ground beef with rich spices and wholesome beans, creating a comforting meal that will warm your soul. Customize it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh green onions. Ideal for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or game day celebrations, this chili is also great for meal prep—just make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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)
- 2 cups broth (beef or vegetable)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onions and cook until soft. Stir in salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and tomato paste; cook for a few minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring to a simmer.
- Return the browned beef to the pot along with drained kidney beans and broth. Mix well.
- Allow to simmer for about 15–20 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, let the chili simmer longer; it enhances the taste. Experiment with different types of beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety.
