The Best Chili Recipe

Learn how to make The Best Chili Recipe with this easy-to-follow guide. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with family and friends, this chili is packed with flavor and comfort. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of the year, topped with your favorite condiments for a delicious experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe simplifies the chili-making process, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
• Flavorful Ingredients: With a blend of spices, tomatoes, and beans, every bite is bursting with flavor that will satisfy your cravings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a hearty main dish or serve it alongside rice or cornbread for a complete meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.
• Customizable Toppings: Personalize your bowl with sour cream, cheese, and green onions to suit everyone’s tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making The Best Chili Recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for slow-cooking chili evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring cooked ingredients without excess grease or liquid.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring easy cleanup.

Ingredients

To create The Best Chili Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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

Tomatoes and Beans

• 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)

Broth

• 2 cups broth (beef broth, bone broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth) 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 sizzling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally until golden. Remove from heat using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of grease.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same Dutch oven, add 1 tablespoon of reserved Turkey Bacon grease over medium-high heat. Add ground beef; season with salt and pepper. Brown thoroughly before transferring to a clean plate.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Add remaining Turkey Bacon grease to the pot over medium heat. Sauté onions for 5-7 minutes until soft. 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 Beef and Add Beans

Once simmering, return Turkey Bacon and ground beef to the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth. Mix well until combined.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow chili to simmer for 15-20 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices if necessary. Add more broth if chili becomes too thick.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and Tabasco sauce if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chili!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili is not just about the dish itself; it’s about enhancing the experience with delicious toppings and sides. Here are some great ideas for serving your best chili recipe.

Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture that balances the spices.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melting cheese over hot chili creates a delightful, gooey layer on top.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a crunchy, mild flavor that brightens up each bite.
• Tabasco Sauce – For those who like extra heat, a few dashes of Tabasco sauce can elevate the spice level.

Sides

• Cornbread – A slice of warm cornbread complements chili perfectly with its subtle sweetness.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips can serve as a fun way to scoop up chili.
• Rice – Serving chili over rice adds substance and helps soak up all the flavorful juices.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

To make sure your chili turns out perfect every time, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and spices enhance the flavors significantly compared to dried or canned options.
• Adjust Seasonings Gradually – Always taste and adjust spices during cooking to achieve your desired flavor profile.
• Simmer Longer for Depth – Letting your chili simmer for an extended time allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Consider Different Beans – While kidney beans are classic, experimenting with black beans or pinto beans can add variety.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your best chili recipe can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options!

1. Garlic Bread – A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich flavors of chili.
2. Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast and balances the dish’s warmth.
3. Stuffed Peppers – Baked stuffed peppers filled with grains and veggies make a hearty addition to any meal.
4. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges are perfect for dipping into chili or enjoying on their own.
5. Salad Greens – A light salad with vinaigrette offers a fresh side that complements the richness of chili.
6. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad adds nutrition and pairs well with spicy dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your dish. Here are some tips to ensure you create The Best Chili Recipe.

• Skipping the browning step – Not browning your meat can lead to a bland flavor. Always brown the meat thoroughly to enhance the taste.
• Overcooking the beans – If you overcook canned beans, they can turn mushy. Add them later in the cooking process for better texture.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Taste your chili as it cooks! Adjust salt, spices, and heat levels based on your preference.
• Using low-quality tomatoes – The tomatoes are a key ingredient; using poor quality can affect flavor. Choose high-quality diced tomatoes and tomato sauce for best results.
• Neglecting to simmer – Skipping the simmering process can result in underdeveloped flavors. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Can be kept for up to 4 days.

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

• Allow the chili to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making The Best Chili Recipe, here are some commonly asked questions.

What makes this the best chili recipe?

This recipe combines rich flavors from ground beef, spices, and fresh ingredients for a satisfying bowl of comfort food.

Can I customize this chili recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or beans. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.

How do I thicken my chili?

If your chili is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a while or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) for thickening.

What toppings should I use for chili?

Some great toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or even jalapeños for added heat!

Final Thoughts

This recipe for The Best Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With options for customization and various toppings, you can make it uniquely yours. Give it a try and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort food any time of year!