If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, then you’ve come to the right place! This is truly The Best Chili Recipe you’ll ever find. It’s rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re hosting a family gathering, this chili is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress your guests!

Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as this chili simmers away, giving you something to look forward to at the end of a long day. And trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Family Favorite: Everyone loves a warm bowl of chili! It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike enjoy.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this dish ahead of time! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.
Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s just something about a steaming bowl of chili that brings comfort and warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together for a delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chili

1 pound 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

Variations

This chili recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few fun variations:

Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you’re craving some heat!
Go vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils or extra beans for a hearty vegetarian version.

How to Make The Best Chili Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by adding the chopped bacon to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cooking it low and slow allows it to become perfectly crispy. Once golden brown, use a slotted spoon to transfer it onto paper towels and set aside. Don’t forget to save some bacon grease; it adds wonderful flavor!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next up, add one tablespoon of reserved bacon grease back into the pot. Add in your ground beef and season it with salt and pepper while browning it over medium-high heat. This step is essential because well-browned meat enhances the overall taste of your chili.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of bacon grease if needed and toss in those diced onions. Let them cook until soft and translucent—about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkling in salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and sugar now helps build layers of flavor right from the start!

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Some Beans

Now that your onion mixture is simmering beautifully, return the cooked bacon and ground beef to the pot. Stir in those kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth. This creates a rich base for your chili—mix well so everything combines.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow your chili to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This is where all those flavors meld together! Keep an eye on it; if it gets too thick, feel free to add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Once ready, serve up heaping bowls of this comforting chili! Top with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or Tabasco sauce if you like some extra kick.

Enjoy every bite of this delicious meal with family or friends!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Chili Recipe

Making the best chili is all about the little details that elevate the flavors and textures. Here are some handy tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time!

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and quality canned goods enhances the overall flavor of your chili. Fresh onions and garlic can bring a wonderful depth compared to dried alternatives.
Let It Simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer longer develops rich flavors as the ingredients meld together. If time permits, simmer for an hour or more; it really makes a difference!
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with the basic spices and adjust to your taste towards the end of cooking. This prevents over-seasoning from the beginning and allows you to find that perfect balance of flavors.
Experiment with Beans: While red kidney beans are traditional, feel free to mix in black beans or pinto beans for variety in texture and flavor. Each type brings its own unique taste!
Make It Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Consider making a big batch ahead of time so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

When it’s time to serve up your delicious chili, presentation can make all the difference! You want to create an inviting dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Garnishes

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances out the heat of your chili.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle some cheddar on top for a melty, savory contrast.
Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions offer a crisp texture and vibrant color that brightens up each bowl.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: Sweet, moist cornbread is an excellent companion to chili, soaking up all those flavorful juices while adding a comforting touch.
Rice: A side of fluffy rice serves as a neutral base that complements the robust flavors of your chili. It’s also great for those who prefer a heartier meal.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a fun textural contrast and can be used for dipping right into your bowl of chili.
Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of chili, offering a refreshing side that rounds out your meal beautifully.

Enjoy crafting this hearty dish and sharing it with loved ones! Whether it’s game day or a cozy weeknight dinner, this chili will surely be a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

This chili recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks. You can easily store it and enjoy delicious meals without the fuss!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Always label your container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
Leave some space at the top of each container or bag to allow for expansion during freezing.
Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
If using the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making The Best Chili Recipe.

What makes this the best chili recipe?

This chili recipe stands out due to its rich flavors from slow-cooked bacon, seasoned ground beef, and a blend of spices that create a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Can I make The Best Chili Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils or quinoa and omit the bacon. You can also add more vegetables for extra flavor and texture.

How long does The Best Chili Recipe take to cook?

The total time to prepare The Best Chili Recipe is approximately 75 minutes, including both prep and cooking time. It’s well worth the wait!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delicious chili as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or meal prep. Remember, it’s not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating something special that brings joy to your table. Happy cooking!