The Best Chili Recipe

Learn how to make the best chili recipe with this easy-to-follow guide. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners, game days, or any occasion that calls for a hearty meal. With its rich flavors and customizable toppings, you’ll discover why this is truly the best chili recipe you can enjoy year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This chili comes together quickly with simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Depth: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a robust flavor profile that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your chili with sour cream, cheese, and green onions to suit everyone’s preferences.
• Perfect for Batch Cooking: Make a large pot and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later.
• Kid-Friendly: A hit among children and adults alike, it’s a great way to introduce them to bold flavors.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this chili, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and simmering; it retains heat well for the best results.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring cooked ingredients without excess grease or liquid.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precision when dicing onions and chopping other ingredients.

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Ingredients

Learn how to make the best chili recipe with this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy it year-round topped with gooey melted cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

For the Chili Base

• 1 pound Turkey Bacon (chopped into small pieces)
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 medium onions (diced)
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

Spices and Flavorings

• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Tomatoes & 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 but not rinsed)

Broth & Toppings

• 2 cups broth (beef broth, bone broth, chicken, or 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 it is hot and sizzling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally. Once golden, remove the lid and continue cooking until desired doneness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of leftover Turkey Bacon grease.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of reserved Turkey Bacon grease followed by the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper as you brown it. Transfer the browned beef to a clean plate once done.

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. Stir well before incorporating tomato paste; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce then bring everything to a simmer.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Beans

Once your onion-tomato mixture reaches a simmering point, 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, chicken, or vegetable). Mix everything thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer

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

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot topped with any desired toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or Tabasco sauce for added kick!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving your chili right can enhance the flavors and make for a delightful meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will complement The Best Chili Recipe perfectly.

Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melted cheese on top creates a rich, savory finish.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions provide crunch and a burst of flavor.
• Tabasco Sauce – For those who love heat, a splash of Tabasco can elevate the experience.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Soft, buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up the chili.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips offer a fun texture contrast and are great for dipping.
• Rice – Serving chili over rice makes it heartier and adds extra substance.

Garnishes

• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado enhances flavor and provides healthy fats.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime brightens up the dish with a refreshing zing.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

Perfecting your chili takes practice, but these tips can help you achieve the ideal flavor and texture every time you make The Best Chili Recipe.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Start with less spice and gradually add more to suit your taste preference.
• Simmer Longer – Allowing the chili to simmer longer deepens the flavors. Consider letting it cook for an hour or more if time permits.
• Consider Texture – If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer uncovered for part of the cooking time.
• Taste as You Go – Regularly taste your chili while cooking to ensure proper seasoning and balance in flavors.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here’s a list of excellent sides that complement The Best Chili Recipe.

1. Cornbread – Sweet or savory, cornbread is an ideal pairing that soaks up all that delicious chili goodness.
2. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices enhances your meal’s overall flavor profile.
3. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole provides a cool contrast to spicy chili while adding richness.
4. Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw brings freshness and brightness, complementing the hearty chili.
5. Cheesy Garlic Bread – Crispy bread topped with melted cheese pairs perfectly with warm bowls of chili.
6. Baked Potatoes – Offer baked potatoes as a base for the chili; they absorb flavors well and add heartiness.
7. Salad Greens – A simple side salad with light dressing balances out the richness of the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef properly can lead to a less flavorful chili. Always take the time to brown your meat well for richer taste.
• Overcooking or undercooking beans: Using canned beans without adjusting cook time can result in mushy or hard beans. Make sure to add them at the right time for perfect texture.
• Neglecting seasonings: Adding too little salt or spices can leave your chili bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Rushing through cooking can prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for optimal flavor.
• Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of your meat and broth matters significantly. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for a better-tasting chili.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes this the best chili recipe?

This recipe combines savory meats, rich tomatoes, and aromatic spices for a balanced flavor profile that is hard to beat!

Can I make The Best Chili Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground turkey with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

How do I spice up my chili?

If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper during cooking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

How long does The Best Chili Recipe take to cook?

The total cooking time is about 75 minutes, including prep time of 15 minutes and cook time of 60 minutes.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for The Best Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings and spice levels to suit any palate. Whether served on a chilly night or at a summer barbecue, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table!