The Best Chili Recipe

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. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep for the week. Its comforting flavors and satisfying texture make it a standout in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, making the best chili recipe can be done in just about an hour.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and savory ingredients creates a robust flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for various occasions, you can customize toppings to suit everyone’s preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This chili keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for quick meals throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With generous servings, this recipe is sure to satisfy a group or family gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making the best chili recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and simmering, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring cooked ingredients without excess grease or liquid.
• Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate measurements of spices and ingredients for balanced flavors.

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 Chili Base

• 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 while stirring occasionally until golden. Remove the lid once crispy and continue cooking until desired doneness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked Turkey Bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. 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 into your Dutch oven. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Brown evenly before transferring beef to a clean plate.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Add remaining Turkey Bacon grease to your pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. 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 mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Beans

As soon as your onion-tomato mixture simmers, return both the Turkey Bacon and browned ground beef to the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow your chili to simmer for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Taste test; add additional salt or spices as needed, along with more broth if your chili becomes too thick.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with 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 chili can be a delightful experience, allowing you to customize each bowl to suit personal tastes. Here are some creative and delicious serving suggestions to elevate your chili experience.

Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and a cool contrast to the heat of the chili.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melting cheese on top creates a rich flavor and enhances the overall texture.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions provide a crunchy bite and add brightness.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado slices offer a smooth texture that complements spicy chili.
• Hot Sauce – For those who love heat, drizzle your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with savory chili, making for a comforting meal.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips can be used for scooping or as a side snack.
• Rice – Serving chili over rice adds heartiness and balances flavors well.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your chili, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh spices – Freshly ground spices enhance the overall flavor profile of your chili, making it more aromatic.
• Let it simmer longer – Allowing your chili to simmer for extra time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning – Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end; this ensures balanced flavors throughout.
• Experiment with beans – Mixing different types of beans can add variety and richness to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your chili can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Cornbread – This sweet bread is a classic pairing that complements the savory notes of chili.
2. Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the chili.
3. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf can absorb all the delicious flavors from the chili while adding substance.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Smoky grilled veggies bring additional flavor complexity and nutrition to your plate.
5. Baked Potatoes – Serve baked potatoes alongside for a hearty option that soaks up the chili beautifully.
6. Garden Salad – A light garden salad offers freshness and crispness, making it a great contrast to warm chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using low-quality meat: Cheap cuts of beef can lead to a tough texture. Choose fresh, high-quality ground beef for a better result.
• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the meat properly may result in a less flavorful chili. Take your time to brown the ground beef well before adding other ingredients.
• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can leave your chili bland. Taste throughout the cooking process and adjust salt and spices as needed.
• Overcooking beans: If you add canned beans too early, they can become mushy. Stir them in towards the end of cooking to maintain their texture.
• Ignoring broth levels: Chili that’s too thick can be unappealing. Always keep additional broth on hand and add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through, approximately 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the best chili recipe:

How do I make The Best Chili Recipe spicier?

You can add extra chili powder or diced fresh peppers like jalapeños during cooking for added heat. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Can I use different types of meat in The Best Chili Recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey or lamb work well as substitutes for ground beef if you prefer a different flavor.

What toppings go well with The Best Chili Recipe?

Some popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and avocado slices.

How long does it take to make The Best Chili Recipe?

The total time is about 75 minutes, including prep and cook time. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Final Thoughts

This easy recipe is perfect for cozy dinners any time of year. With its rich flavors and customizable options, you can cater it to suit any palate. Whether topped with cheese or served alongside bread, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Give it a try today!