The Best Chili Recipe

Published: September 3, 2025

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – This chili comes together in just over an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Flavor-packed – The combination of spices and ingredients creates a rich, savory flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Versatile – Customize your chili with various toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make a large batch and store leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner later in the week.
Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for gatherings, this recipe serves eight people, making it ideal for parties or family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best chili recipe, you will need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven
Slotted spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven – Provides even heat distribution for simmering your chili perfectly.
Slotted spoon – Ideal for transferring cooked ingredients without excess grease or liquid.
Cutting board – A stable surface for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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 tablespoon sugar
– 3-4 tablespoon 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 the Turkey Bacon is hot and sizzling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cook low and slow while stirring occasionally. Once golden brown, remove the lid and cook until desired doneness is reached. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside and 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 and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef thoroughly before transferring it to a clean plate. 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 before stirring in tomato paste; cook for an additional 1–2 minutes over medium heat while stirring continuously. Finally, add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Beans

When your onion-tomato mixture reaches a simmer, return both the 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 everything well until combined.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow your chili to simmer for about 15–20 minutes before serving. Taste test for seasoning; add additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If your chili is too thick, add more broth gradually until reaching desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious chili hot with all your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or Tobasco sauce as desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving The Best Chili Recipe can elevate your dining experience. It pairs well with various toppings and sides to enhance its flavor and texture.

Classic Toppings

Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture that balances the chili’s spiciness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melting cheese on top creates a rich, savory layer that complements the dish perfectly.
Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a pop of color and a slight crunch, enhancing the overall flavor.
Tabasco Sauce – For those who enjoy heat, a few dashes of Tabasco sauce can kick up the spice level.

Accompanying Sides

Cornbread – Soft, slightly sweet cornbread is ideal for soaking up the chili.
Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips provide a delightful contrast to the softness of the chili.
Rice – Serving chili over rice makes for a hearty meal that fills you up.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

To ensure you create The Best Chili Recipe, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and spices enhance flavor and aroma, making your chili more vibrant.
Adjust Seasonings Gradually – Start with smaller amounts of spices and taste as you go. This allows you to tailor the flavors to your preference.
Let It Simmer Longer – Allowing your chili to simmer longer helps deepen the flavors and meld the ingredients together beautifully.
Experiment with Beans – Try different types of beans or mix them up for added texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with The Best Chili Recipe can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options to consider.

Cornbread – A classic companion that’s sweet and buttery, perfect for sopping up chili.
Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread offers a flavorful crunch alongside each spoonful of chili.
Coleslaw – This refreshing side provides a crunchy contrast and balances the richness of the chili.
Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes stuffed with chili create a comforting dish that’s filling and delicious.
Macaroni Salad – A creamy macaroni salad adds a cool element that complements the heat of your chili.
Fried Plantains – Sweet fried plantains provide a unique twist that pairs well with spicy dishes like chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Chili Recipe, several common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Ignoring the meat quality – Using low-quality ground beef can result in a greasy chili. Choose lean ground beef for better flavor and texture.
Skipping the spices – Failing to add enough spices can make your chili bland. Always measure and taste as you go to ensure a robust flavor.
Not simmering long enough – Rushing the cooking process means missing out on deep flavors. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for the best results.
Overcrowding the pot – Adding too many ingredients at once can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed, focusing on one step at a time.
Neglecting to taste as you cook – Not tasting your chili until it’s done can result in imbalances. Make it a habit to taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

Allow cooling completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags.
Chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
Microwave – Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot.
Stovetop – Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes this chili recipe the best?

This chili recipe combines high-quality ingredients and balanced spices, creating a rich flavor that is hard to beat.

Can I customize The Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different beans, vegetables, or proteins according to your taste preferences.

How spicy is this chili recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder and using mild or hot diced tomatoes. Taste as you go!

How do I thicken my chili?

If your chili is too thin, simmer it longer uncovered or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) during cooking.

Final Thoughts

In summary, The Best Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With options for customization, you can make it your own by adding favorite ingredients or adjusting spice levels. Don’t hesitate—try making this comforting dish today!

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

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