The Best Chili Recipe

Learn how to make the best chili recipe with this easy-to-follow guide that will have you enjoying a hearty bowl of chili year-round. Perfect for cozy family dinners or game day gatherings, this chili is rich in flavor and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Its standout quality lies in the combination of spices and ingredients that create a depth of flavor while being simple enough for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious chili without hassle.
• Flavorful: A balance of spices, including cumin and chili powder, elevates the taste, making each bite satisfying.
• Versatile: This chili can be served on its own or paired with rice, tortillas, or cornbread for a complete meal.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or hot sauce to make it uniquely yours.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from ground beef and beans, this dish is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of eaters.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools at hand. Having these essential items will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking, it retains heat well and allows even cooking throughout.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring cooked ingredients without excess grease or liquid.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make the best chili recipe:

For the Base

• 1 pound Turkey Bacon (chopped into small pieces)
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 medium onions (diced)
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

Spices & Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Tomatoes & Liquid

• 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups broth (beef broth, bone broth, chicken, vegetable) plus more as needed

Beans

• 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans (drained but not rinsed)

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. When golden, remove the lid and let it cook until your desired doneness is reached. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of leftover Turkey Bacon 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, browning it while seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer browned beef to a clean plate and set aside.

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 and translucent. Sprinkle in salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and sugar; mix well to combine. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat while stirring continuously. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring everything to a simmer.

Step 4: Return Beef & Add Beans

As soon as your onion mixture simmers, return both Turkey Bacon and ground beef to the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth (beef, bone broth, chicken or vegetable). Mix well.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow your chili to simmer for 15-20 minutes before serving. Taste it first! You may want additional salt or spices; add extra broth if it’s too thick.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with all your favorite toppings including sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and Tabasco sauce if desired. Enjoy!

This recipe yields about eight servings—perfect for sharing!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili is an art, and the right toppings can elevate your dish to new heights. Here are some delightful suggestions to make your chili experience unforgettable.

Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture that balances the spices in the chili.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melty cheese on top creates a rich flavor and enhances the overall taste.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a crunchy, mild onion flavor that complements the chili.
• Tabasco Sauce – For those who like it spicy, a few dashes of Tabasco sauce can kick up the heat.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with savory chili, making for a satisfying meal.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips offer a great contrast in texture and can be used for dipping.
• Rice – Serving your chili over rice adds heartiness and absorbs the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

Perfecting your chili is all about technique and balance. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Use Quality Meat – Start with high-quality ground beef for better flavor and texture in your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Taste as you go; add more cumin or chili powder if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Let It Simmer Longer – Allowing your chili to simmer for an extra 30 minutes can deepen its flavors significantly.
• Incorporate Fresh Ingredients – Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving can brighten the dish.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with chili not only enhances the meal but also offers variety. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of chili.
2. Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the chili.
3. Baked Potatoes – Serve baked potatoes alongside chili for a hearty combination; top them with leftovers!
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – A classic grilled cheese offers comfort and pairs wonderfully with warm chili.
5. Salad – A light garden salad provides freshness that complements the robust flavors of the chili.
6. Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas make for an easy side that can be dipped into your spicy bowl of goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili can be an enjoyable experience, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin the dish. Here’s what to avoid when preparing The Best Chili Recipe:

• Bold seasoning choices: Not seasoning adequately can lead to bland chili. Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go along.
• Bold ingredient substitutions: Using low-quality or canned ingredients without checking for flavor can impact your chili. Opt for fresh or high-quality canned tomatoes and beans whenever possible.
• Bold cooking time: Rushing the simmering process will prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for the best results.
• Bold neglecting texture: Not paying attention to the consistency may result in a watery or too thick chili. Adjust with broth as needed during cooking for the right texture.
• Bold skipping toppings: Forgetting to add toppings can make your chili less appealing. Don’t skip garnishing with sour cream, cheese, and green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Best Chili Recipe stays good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s what many people ask about making The Best Chili Recipe:

What makes this the best chili recipe?

This recipe combines robust flavors from spices and quality ingredients that create a delicious balance of taste and texture.

Can I use different meats?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or lamb works well as alternatives if you want different flavor profiles in your chili.

How spicy is this chili recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder and various peppers according to your taste preference.

Is this chili recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace meat with additional beans or lentils and vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version of The Best Chili Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is not only one of the best chili recipes you’ll find but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins or vegetables! Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on a cozy night in, this chili is sure to impress everyone at the table.