The Best Chili Recipe

Learn how to make the best chili recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. This hearty dish is loaded with flavor and can be enjoyed year-round, whether you’re hosting a game day party, cozying up for a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week. With its rich taste and easy preparation, this chili will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Packed with spices and savory ingredients, this chili offers a robust flavor profile that satisfies any palate.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this dish without hassle.
• Versatile Options: Customize your chili with various toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or green onions to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: This chili stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for leftovers or batch cooking.
• Feed a Crowd: With 8 servings per recipe, it’s ideal for gatherings or family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for simmering and browning.
• Slotted spoon: Allows you to transfer cooked ingredients without excess grease or liquid.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a sturdy surface for chopping.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking and presentation.

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)

Spices and Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoon sugar

Tomato Components

• 3-4 tablespoon 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)

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 with a lid. Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally until golden. Remove the lid and cook until desired doneness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. 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.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Add the remaining tablespoon of Turkey Bacon grease to the 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 and cook for another 1-2 minutes while continuing to stir. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce then bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Return Beef & Add Beans

Once simmering, return cooked Turkey Bacon and ground beef back into the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth of your choice. Mix everything well.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow your chili to simmer for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices as needed. If too thick, add more broth.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or Tabasco sauce as desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili is a great way to bring warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, there are endless ways to enjoy The Best Chili Recipe.

Traditional Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top for an extra layer of flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a crunchy texture and bright flavor.
• Tabasco Sauce – For those who love extra heat, a few dashes of Tabasco can elevate the chili.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Serve warm cornbread on the side for a classic pairing that soaks up the chili.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips can be served alongside or used for dipping.
• Rice – A bed of fluffy rice makes for a hearty addition under your bowl of chili.

Creative Additions

• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado adds richness and freshness to each bite.
• Fresh Cilantro – Chopped cilantro gives a fresh, herbal note that complements the spices.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

Making the best chili is about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your chili is always perfect.

• Use Quality Meat – Select fresh ground beef or turkey for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer – Allow your chili to simmer longer for deeper flavor development—30 minutes is ideal.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually – Taste your chili as it cooks, adding more spices only when necessary to avoid overpowering flavors.
• Incorporate Different Beans – Mix in black beans or pinto beans for variety in texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Pairing sides with your chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread makes an excellent vessel for scooping up chili.
2. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chili.
3. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can serve as a base or side dish topped with chili.
4. Salad Greens – A simple mixed green salad adds freshness and lightness to your meal.
5. Fried Plantains – Sweet fried plantains offer a unique, sweet contrast that pairs well with spicy dishes.
6. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese creates a comforting combo alongside your hearty chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes while making chili can elevate your dish immensely. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using low-quality meat: Always select fresh, high-quality beef or turkey for the best flavor. Cheaper cuts may lead to a less satisfying texture and taste.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season at every stage! Salt and spices should be added as you cook to build layers of flavor.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Chili benefits from longer cooking times. Allowing it to simmer helps meld the flavors together, improving taste.
• Overcrowding the pot: Avoid adding too many ingredients at once. This can lower the cooking temperature and inhibit proper browning.
• Neglecting toppings: Toppings like cheese and sour cream add richness and contrast. Don’t skip them!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow chili to cool before sealing for optimal freshness.

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date for easy identification.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through (about 25-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about the best ways to prepare this dish, check out these frequently asked questions.

What makes The Best Chili Recipe stand out?

The Best Chili Recipe combines rich flavors from quality beef or turkey with aromatic spices, providing a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.

Can I customize The Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust heat levels with different chili powders or add vegetables like bell peppers for extra nutrition.

How long does The Best Chili Recipe take to cook?

The total time is approximately 75 minutes from prep to serving, allowing flavors to develop beautifully.

Is The Best Chili Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for easy meals during busy weeks.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for The Best Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, giving this chili a try will surely impress everyone at your table!