The Best Chili Recipe

Learn how to make the best chili recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. This comforting dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers versatility, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this chili will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The best chili recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to impress their friends and family.
• Flavor Explosion: With a blend of spices and savory ingredients, each bowl bursts with rich flavors that will satisfy your cravings.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream for a personal touch.
• Feeds a Crowd: With generous servings, this recipe is ideal for gatherings or potlucks, ensuring everyone leaves happy.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Gather these essential items to help you create the best chili recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for slow-cooking and simmering, ensuring even heat distribution for perfect chili every time.
• Slotted spoon: Helps drain excess fat while transferring cooked ingredients without losing any flavor.
• Cutting board & knife: Essential for efficiently chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients, making your prep work quick and easy.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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)

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)
• 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, stirring occasionally until golden. Remove the lid when done. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside and 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 brown 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 back into 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. Stir in tomato paste; cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Return the Beef & Add Beans

Once your onion-tomato mixture reaches a simmer, return both Turkey Bacon and ground beef back into the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth (choose from beef, bone, chicken, or vegetable). Mix everything well.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow your chili to simmer for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Taste it! Add additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed; use extra broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with all your favorite toppings including sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or Tabasco sauce if desired. Enjoy this delicious bowl of comfort!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving The Best Chili Recipe can elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will add creativity and flavor to your dish.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheese on top creates a rich, savory layer.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh and crunchy, they add a nice color contrast and flavor.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: This sweet bread pairs perfectly with chili for a comforting meal.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are great for dipping and add texture to each bite.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve chili over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

Garnishes

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a burst of flavor and freshness.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and enhances the overall taste.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

To make sure you create the ultimate version of The Best Chili Recipe, consider these tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat enhance flavors significantly.
• Adjust Spices Gradually: Start with recommended spices, then adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Simmer Longer for Deeper Flavor: Allowing the chili to simmer longer helps meld the flavors beautifully.
• Experiment with Broths: Different types of broth can change the profile of your chili—feel free to experiment!
• Incorporate Variety of Beans: Mixing different beans can give texture and additional flavor dimensions.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly tasting your chili during cooking allows you to adjust seasoning effectively.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with The Best Chili Recipe can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement chili wonderfully:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing; buttery, toasted bread with melted cheese is comforting alongside chili.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty chili.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili for an extra filling option.
4. Salad with Vinaigrette: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chili.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional flavors and nutrients to your meal.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with grains or beans and served alongside or topped with chili for added flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls that can spoil your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step – Failing to brown the meat properly can result in a less flavorful chili. Always give your beef time to develop a rich, deep color before adding other ingredients.
• Using low-quality canned tomatoes – Not all canned tomatoes are created equal. Opt for high-quality brands to ensure your chili has the best flavor and texture.
• Not adjusting spices – Chili is highly customizable, and what might taste great to one person may not work for another. Taste as you go and adjust spices according to your preference.
• Rushing the simmering process – If you skip the simmering step or rush it, your flavors won’t meld properly. Give your chili at least 15-20 minutes on low heat to develop depth.
• Ignoring bean preparation – Using beans straight from the can without draining them can make your chili too watery. Drain and rinse your beans to keep the texture right.
• Overloading on toppings – While toppings add flair, overdoing it can overshadow the chili itself. Keep toppings balanced so they enhance rather than overwhelm each bite.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Label containers with date for easy identification.

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Consider portioning into smaller servings for quick meals later.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer chili to an oven-safe dish and heat for about 20-30 minutes until hot.
• Microwave – Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Pour chili into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 5-10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making The Best Chili Recipe, here are some common questions:

Can I customize The Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different beans, vegetables, or spices based on what you enjoy most.

What type of meat works best in this chili?

Ground beef is traditional, but turkey or chicken also make great alternatives if you prefer lighter options.

How do I thicken my chili?

If your chili is too thin, try simmering it longer uncovered or adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water until it thickens up.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing it a day ahead often enhances the flavors as they have time to meld together.

What toppings go well with The Best Chili Recipe?

Popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and jalapeños for those who enjoy some heat!

Final Thoughts

The Best Chili Recipe is not just a dish; it’s a comforting culinary experience perfect for any occasion. This versatile recipe allows for endless customizations based on personal tastes—whether you prefer extra spice or additional vegetables. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and enjoy every hearty bite!