The Best Chili Recipe

Name: The Best Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 2 medium onions (diced); 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans (drained); 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)

Published: September 2, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Experience – The combination of spices creates a rich and savory taste that will satisfy your cravings.
Easy Preparation – With straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can master this chili recipe effortlessly.
Versatile Dish – Serve it on its own, over rice, or with cornbread for a complete meal that fits any occasion.
Customizable Toppings – Enjoy a variety of toppings such as sour cream, cheese, and green onions to suit your taste.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having everything ready makes it easier to focus on creating the best chili recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Dutch oven
Slotted spoon
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large Dutch oven – Ideal for simmering your chili evenly and holding enough ingredients for large batches.
Slotted spoon – Helps drain excess fat when transferring cooked meats, ensuring a healthier dish.
Cutting board – Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.

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.

For the Base

1 pound Turkey Bacon (chopped into small pieces)
2 pounds ground beef
2 medium onions (diced)

Spices and Seasonings

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

Tomato Mixture

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

Beans and Broth

2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans (drained but 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

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. Cover with a lid and cook low and slow while stirring occasionally. When golden brown, remove the lid and continue cooking until desired doneness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of leftover grease.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of reserved Turkey Bacon grease. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef thoroughly before transferring it back to a clean plate.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Add the remaining tablespoon of Turkey Bacon grease to your pot over medium heat. Add 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 along with tomato sauce; bring mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Return Beef & Add Beans

Once your onion mixture is simmering, return both Turkey Bacon and ground beef back into the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth (derived from beef or vegetables). Mix well until combined.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow your chili to simmer for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Check seasoning levels; add more salt or spices as needed. If too thick, incorporate additional broth until desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or Tabasco sauce if desired.

Enjoy making The Best Chili Recipe!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili is all about personalization and enjoying it with your favorite toppings. This versatile dish can be tailored to suit various tastes, making it perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.

Top It Off with Toppings

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheese on top creates a deliciously rich flavor.
Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a crunchy texture and a mild onion flavor.
Tabasco Sauce: For those who love heat, a few drops of Tabasco will spice things up.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado gives a fresh twist and complements the chili perfectly.
Cornbread: A slice of cornbread alongside your chili makes for a comforting meal.

Pair with Crunchy Options

Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are great for dipping into the chili or enjoying on the side.
Crackers: Saltines or any favorite crackers can add texture and flavor contrast.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

Perfecting your chili recipe involves paying attention to flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

Bold spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust spices like cumin and chili powder. Taste as you go!
Simmer longer: Allowing your chili to simmer for an extended period enhances all the flavors.
Use quality meat: Choose fresh ground beef or turkey for better taste and texture.
Add beans last: Incorporating beans towards the end maintains their integrity without becoming mushy.
Experiment with broth: Different broths (beef, chicken, vegetable) can change the flavor profile significantly.
Adjust thickness: If your chili is too thick, simply add more broth until you reach desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Complementing your chili with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options:

Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread pairs beautifully with spicy chili, soaking up all the flavors.
Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice makes an excellent base that balances out the richness of the chili.
Baked Potatoes: Serve chili over baked potatoes for a hearty twist that’s filling and satisfying.
Salad: A fresh green salad offers a light contrast to the rich flavors of chili; try adding some citrus dressing.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The gooeyness of melted cheese between toasted bread is perfect for dipping into chili.
Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture while its tangy dressing cuts through the heaviness of the dish.
Stuffed Peppers: Serve alongside stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies for a colorful plate.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is always welcome; it’s great for sopping up every last bit of chili!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

Using low-quality meat: Always choose fresh ground beef or turkey for a flavorful chili. Avoid frozen meat that may have freezer burn.
Neglecting seasoning: Make sure to add enough salt and spices throughout the cooking process. Taste as you go to ensure balanced flavors.
Skipping the browning step: Browning your meat adds depth and richness. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your chili.
Not simmering long enough: Allow your chili to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps meld the flavors together and creates a richer dish.
Ignoring toppings: Toppings elevate your chili experience. Don’t forget to garnish with cheese, sour cream, or green onions for added texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Allow chili to cool before refrigerating for better preservation.

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Leave space at the top of containers as chili expands when frozen.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add broth if needed for consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Best Chili Recipe stand out?

The Best Chili Recipe combines rich flavors from ground beef and spices while allowing customization with various toppings and sides.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth.

How can I spice up The Best Chili Recipe?

Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for heat. You can also experiment with different beans or add corn for sweetness.

What can I serve with The Best Chili Recipe?

Serve alongside cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. These sides complement the rich flavors of the chili beautifully.

Can I double The Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and adjust cooking time as necessary, ensuring it simmers long enough to meld flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Best Chili Recipe is not only hearty and comforting but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite beans, meats, or toppings. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to please everyone’s palate!

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

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