Best Chili Recipe

The Best Chili Recipe is a hearty dish that is perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion when you crave something warm and comforting. This recipe features a delightful mix of ground beef, beans, and spices that create a rich flavor profile. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it on its own or topped with fresh ingredients, this chili will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients makes every bite burst with flavor.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this chili comes together quickly.
• Versatile Dish: You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, making it suitable for all palates.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili freezes well, making it great for batch cooking and quick weeknight meals.
• Feed a Crowd: With 10 servings, it’s ideal for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the chili evenly and accommodating all ingredients without overflow.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching non-stick surfaces and helps mix flavors thoroughly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring efficiency in preparation.

Ingredients

The best chili recipe I have ever made! It’s packed with ground beef, turkey bacon, and 3 kinds of beans with just the right combination of spices for the perfect flavor! Top it off with a little sour cream and shredded cheese, Yum!

For the Base

• 6 Strips Turkey Bacon (good quality, chopped)
• 1 Red Onion (chopped)
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (seeded and chopped)
• 1 ½ Pounds Ground Beef

For the Beans

• 1 Can Kidney Beans (15 oz, drained)
• 1 Can Pinto Beans (15 oz, drained)
• 1 Can Black Beans (15 oz, drained)

For the Sauce

• 1 Can Tomatoes (15 oz, Fire Roasted with juice)
• 1 Can Tomato Paste (6 oz.)
• 1 Jalapeño (seeded and minced – optional)
• 2 Cups Beef Stock

For Seasoning

• 1 Tablespoon Oregano (dried)
• 2 teaspoons Cumin
• 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder
• 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
• 1 ½ teaspoons Smoked Paprika
• ½ teaspoon Ground Coriander
• 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic (minced)

For Topping

• Sour Cream
• Cilantro
• Cheese (shredded)

How to Make Best Chili Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

In a large pot, cook the turkey bacon until crisp. Stir often to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Remove the turkey bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Add the chopped onions and peppers to the pot. Cook until tender.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease by tilting the pot and using a large spoon.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients along with three-quarters of the cooked turkey bacon. Stir well to combine everything.

Step 5: Simmer

Let your chili cook for at least 45 minutes. If possible, allow it to simmer longer for deeper flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish each serving with sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and the remaining turkey bacon before serving hot.

This Best Chili Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Serve Best Chili Recipe

Serving your best chili recipe can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delicious ways to serve and enjoy this hearty dish.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully on hot chili.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color, enhancing presentation.

Accompany with Crunchy Sides

• Cornbread: This sweet, crumbly bread pairs wonderfully with chili, soaking up flavors.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips make for a fun dipping option, perfect for scooping up chili.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For those who love heat, pickled jalapeños provide an extra kick.

Create a Chili Bar

• Toppings Station: Set up a DIY toppings station with options like onions, avocado, and hot sauce for customization.
• Serve in Bowls or Bread Bowls: Offering chili in edible bread bowls makes for a fun and tasty serving option.

How to Perfect Best Chili Recipe

Perfecting your best chili recipe is an art that you can master with a few simple tips. Here are some suggestions to elevate your chili game.

• Use Quality Meat: Selecting fresh ground beef enhances the flavor and texture of your chili.
• Let it Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer for several hours deepens flavors and melds spices beautifully.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less jalapeño or chili powder according to your preference.
• Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Stirring in fresh herbs right before serving brightens the overall flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your best chili recipe can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread complements the savory flavors of chili perfectly.
2. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and balances out spicy notes in the dish.
3. Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice acts as a hearty base that absorbs the chili’s robust flavors well.
4. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides crunch and contrasts nicely with warm chili.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled veggies add color and healthy nutrients to your meal.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serving chili over baked potatoes creates a filling and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the best chili recipe, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using low-quality meat: Always choose good quality ground beef for a rich flavor. Opt for lean cuts to reduce excess grease.
• Neglecting seasonings: Don’t skip the spices! A well-balanced combination of cumin, paprika, and chili powder is essential for depth of flavor.
• Not simmering long enough: Allow your chili to simmer for at least 45 minutes. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together.
• Overlooking bean preparation: Rinse canned beans before adding them. This helps remove excess sodium and ensures a cleaner taste.
• Skipping toppings: Toppings like sour cream, cheese, and cilantro add texture and enhance flavor. Don’t forget to include them when serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Best Chili Recipe

• Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave space in containers as the chili will expand when frozen.

Reheating Best Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about this best chili recipe, here are some questions commonly asked by readers.

What makes this the Best Chili Recipe?

This recipe combines ground beef with three types of beans and a perfect blend of spices, ensuring a robust flavor that’s hard to beat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or more beans for a hearty vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.

How can I customize the Best Chili Recipe?

Feel free to adjust spices according to your preference. Adding extra vegetables like corn or zucchini can also enhance both flavor and nutrition.

What should I serve with my Best Chili Recipe?

This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a delightful meal experience.

Final Thoughts

The best chili recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or spice levels. Give it a try, and enjoy this comforting dish that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Best Chili Recipe

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

The Best Chili Recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that brings warmth to any occasion. This delicious chili features a perfect blend of ground beef, three types of beans, and aromatic spices, making it a satisfying meal for family dinners or gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and can be tailored to your taste preferences, whether you prefer a mild flavor or a spicy kick. With its rich texture and robust taste, this chili is sure to impress everyone at the table. Serve it with fresh toppings and crunchy sides for an unforgettable experience.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can pinto beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 can tomatoes (15 oz, Fire Roasted with juice)
• 1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oregano (dried)
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (ground)
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• Sour cream for topping
• Fresh cilantro for topping
• Shredded cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add chopped onions and bell peppers; sauté until tender.
3. Stir in the drained beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, and spices.
4. Let the chili simmer for at least 45 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg