The Best Chili Recipe

Published: September 18, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this chili comes together quickly.
Flavorful Goodness: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a deep, savory flavor that warms the soul.
Versatile Dish: Customize your chili with various toppings or serve it alongside cornbread or rice for a complete meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, as it tastes even better the next day!
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or family gatherings, this chili is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools and equipment to make the process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: This heavy pot ensures even cooking and helps develop rich flavors in your chili.
Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring cooked ingredients without excess fat or liquid.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and other ingredients quick and effortless.

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 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)
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 hot and sizzling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally until golden. Remove the lid; continue cooking until desired doneness is reached. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside. 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 ground beef; brown it while seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer beef to a clean plate; set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Add the remaining tablespoon of Turkey Bacon grease to the pot over medium heat. Add onions; cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Sprinkle with salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and sugar. Mix well. Stir in tomato paste; cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat while stirring continuously. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Beans

As soon as your onion-tomato mixture reaches a simmer, return the cooked Turkey Bacon and ground beef to the pot. Stir in kidney beans; add 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth (beef, bone chicken or vegetable). Mix well.

Step 5: Simmer Your Chili

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

Step 6: Serve Your Chili

Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or Tabasco sauce if desired.

Enjoy making The Best Chili Recipe that will surely warm hearts and fill bellies!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili is an art that enhances the meal experience. With a few thoughtful toppings and side options, you can elevate The Best Chili Recipe to new heights. Here are some delicious ways to serve your chili:

Topping Suggestions

Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melted cheese creates a rich layer that complements the chili’s flavors.
Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions provide a crisp texture and a hint of sharpness.
Tabasco Sauce – For those who love heat, a few drops of Tabasco sauce will kick the flavor up a notch.

Accompanying Bread

Cornbread – Sweet and buttery cornbread pairs well with chili, soaking up the delicious broth.
Dinner Rolls – Soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the chili.

Salad Pairing

Simple Garden Salad – A light garden salad offers freshness alongside the hearty chili, balancing the meal.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

To make sure your chili turns out just right, consider these helpful tips. They can take your recipe from good to great!

Taste as You Go – Regularly taste your chili during cooking to adjust seasoning and flavors.
Low and Slow Cooking – Allowing your chili to simmer longer develops deeper flavors; patience is key!
Use Quality Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and good-quality meat can significantly enhance the taste of your chili.
Customize Spice Levels – Adjust the amount of chili powder or add fresh peppers if you prefer more heat.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Cornbread – This sweet bread is perfect for soaking up chili and complements its flavors beautifully.
Rice – Serve white or brown rice as a base under your chili for a filling option.
Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips add texture and are great for scooping up chili.
Guacamole – Creamy guacamole provides a refreshing contrast to spicy chili.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and balances the richness of the dish.
Baked Potatoes – Top baked potatoes with chili for a hearty twist on classic comfort food.
Grilled Vegetables – Smoky grilled veggies add flavor and freshness alongside your warm bowl of chili.
Stuffed Peppers – Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and beans make for an interesting side option that complements the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Chili Recipe, some common missteps can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

Skipping the seasoning – Not seasoning your meat and vegetables can result in bland chili. Always season at each step to build flavor.
Overcooking the beans – Using canned beans that are overcooked can make your chili mushy. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
Not simmering long enough – A short cooking time can prevent flavors from developing. Let your chili simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for rich taste.
Ignoring temperature control – Cooking at too high a temperature can burn ingredients. Maintain a steady medium heat for even cooking.
Forgetting about toppings – Neglecting toppings can make your chili less appealing. Consider adding sour cream, cheese, or green onions for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Allow the chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Leave some space in the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between sessions.
Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 10-15 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about The Best Chili Recipe:

What makes The Best Chili Recipe stand out?

This recipe combines rich flavors from various spices and meats, creating a well-rounded taste that’s hearty and satisfying.

Can I customize The Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust spices, use different beans, or add vegetables like bell peppers or corn according to your preference.

How spicy is The Best Chili Recipe?

The spice level is moderate but can be adjusted by adding more chili powder or fresh peppers if you prefer extra heat.

How long does it take to make The Best Chili Recipe?

From prep to table, this recipe takes about 75 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in The Best Chili Recipe?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute that will provide a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Best Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings. Whether you’re serving it on a cold night or at a game day gathering, this chili will surely impress everyone. Give it a try and enjoy its warmth and comfort!

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

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