The Best Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings everyone together, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Chili Recipe is one of those meals that warms the soul and fills the house with an irresistible aroma. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Whether you’re watching a game or just need something hearty and satisfying, this chili will hit the spot every time.

I love this recipe because it’s not just delicious; it’s also super easy to make. You can customize it to your taste and have leftovers for days—if it lasts that long! Plus, who doesn’t love a big bowl of chili topped with gooey melted cheese and a dollop of sour cream? Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious and Flavorful: Each bite bursts with rich flavors from spices and fresh ingredients, making it a family favorite.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can whip up this chili with confidence.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later!
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or beans to make it your own!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, everyone will want seconds (or thirds)!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating The Best Chili Recipe requires simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Base

• 1 pound chopped bacon
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 medium diced onions

Seasonings

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

For the Sauce

• 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
• (1) 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• (1) 28-ounce can tomato sauce

Beans & Broth

• (2) 15-ounce cans red kidney beans (drained, not rinsed)
• 2 cups broth (beef broth, bone broth, chicken, or vegetable)

Optional Toppings

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

Variations

One of the best parts about chili is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you like some heat in your chili.
• Go vegan: Substitute meat with lentils and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.

How to Make The Best Chili Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s sizzling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cooking low and slow allows the bacon to render its fat while achieving that perfect crispy texture. After removing it from the pot, save some of that flavorful grease—it will enhance the overall taste!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next up is browning the ground beef! Add one tablespoon of reserved bacon grease back into your pot over medium-high heat. This step is crucial as browning adds depth of flavor through caramelization. Season with salt and pepper while cooking. Once browned, transfer it to a clean plate.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of bacon grease and set over medium heat. Add your diced onions and cook until they are soft and translucent—about 5-7 minutes. This step helps release their natural sweetness! Then sprinkle in salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and sugar before stirring in tomato paste. Let this mixture cook for an additional minute or two.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Some Beans

Now it’s time to bring all those delicious flavors together! Return your cooked bacon and ground beef back into the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth. This liquid is essential as it helps create that perfect chili consistency.

Step 5: Simmer

Let your chili simmer on low for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. If you find your chili too thick during simmering, simply add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

When you’re ready to serve The Best Chili Recipe, dish out generous portions topped with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and maybe even a splash of Tabasco sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!

Enjoy every delicious bite of this heartwarming dish!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Chili Recipe

Making the best chili is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to enhance your chili-making experience!

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and spices can elevate the flavor of your chili significantly. They bring vibrant taste and aroma that dried versions can’t match.

• Don’t Skip the Simmer – Allowing your chili to simmer for longer lets the flavors meld together beautifully. This step is crucial for developing a rich and complex taste.

• Taste as You Go – Adjusting seasonings throughout the cooking process is key. Tasting allows you to refine flavors and ensure your chili has just the right kick.

• Experiment with Beans – While kidney beans are traditional, mixing in black beans or pinto beans can add different textures and tastes, making your chili uniquely yours.

• Make it Ahead of Time – Chili often tastes even better the next day! Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to deepen, making it an excellent dish for meal prep.

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili can be as fun as making it! Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just enjoying a comforting meal at home, there are many ways you can present this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Shredded Cheese – A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese adds creaminess and enhances flavor.

• Chopped Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brings brightness and an aromatic touch that complements the heartiness of the chili.

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast that balances out the spiciness of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread – This slightly sweet bread pairs perfectly with spicy chili, adding a delightful texture balance with its crumbly nature.

• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips make for great dippers, allowing you to scoop up every last bit of chili while adding a satisfying crunch.

• Rice or Quinoa – Serving chili over rice or quinoa can make it more filling. These grains absorb juices beautifully while adding their own nutty flavors.

• Simple Green Salad – A light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to hearty chili, cleansing your palate between bites.

Now that you’re equipped with these tips and serving ideas, it’s time to dive into making The Best Chili Recipe! Enjoy every flavorful moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

This chili recipe is perfect for meal prep! Whether you want to enjoy it for a weeknight dinner or have leftovers on hand, here’s how to store and reheat your delicious chili.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cool the chili completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, leave some space in the container for expansion.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Add a splash of broth if the chili seems too thick while reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making The Best Chili Recipe.

Can I customize The Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add more beans, veggies like bell peppers or corn, or even switch up the spices according to your taste preference.

What makes this The Best Chili Recipe?

The combination of spices and ingredients creates a rich flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. The slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting dish that’s perfect year-round.

How can I make this chili vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this chili, substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP), lentils, or more beans. You can also enhance the flavors with smoked paprika for that depth.

What can I serve with The Best Chili Recipe?

This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You might also enjoy it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing and savoring this fantastic chili recipe! With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every spoonful and feel free to share your experiences or variations with friends and family. Happy cooking!