The Best Chili Recipe

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. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners, game days, or meal prep for busy weeks. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, this chili comes together quickly, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Flavorful – Packed with spices and savory ingredients, this chili delivers a robust taste that will satisfy any palate.
• Versatile – Customize your chili by adding different beans or spices to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – A great dish to make ahead of time; it stores well in the fridge or freezer.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven – Ideal for browning meat and simmering the chili evenly without burning.
• Slotted spoon – Perfect for transferring cooked ingredients without excess grease or liquid.
• Cutting board – Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Chef’s knife – Essential for quick and precise cutting of onions and other ingredients.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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 tablespoons sugar
– 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)
– 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. Once golden brown, remove the lid and allow cooking until desired doneness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. 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 into your Dutch oven. Add ground beef and brown it while seasoning with salt and pepper. Once browned, transfer beef to a clean plate.

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 with salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and sugar; mix well. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes over medium heat while stirring continuously. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring everything to a simmer.

Step 4: Return the Beef & Add Beans

As soon as your onion-tomato mixture reaches a simmering point, return cooked Turkey Bacon and ground beef back into the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2–3 cups of low-sodium broth (beef or chicken). Mix well until combined.

Step 5: Simmer Your Chili

Allow your chili to simmer on low heat for about 15–20 minutes before serving. Taste it; add additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If your chili is too thick for your liking, stir in more broth until you reach desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious chili with all your favorite toppings including sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and Tobasco sauce if you desire!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving the best chili recipe is all about enhancing its flavors and textures. Here are some great ideas for toppings and accompaniments that will take your chili to the next level.

Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat in the chili.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melted cheese on top brings a rich flavor and gooey texture.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a nice crunch and a hint of sharpness.
• Tabasco Sauce – For those who like it spicy, a splash of hot sauce can elevate the dish.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Soft, sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up all those delicious juices.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips can be used for dipping or as a crunchy topping.
• Rice – Serve your chili over rice for a heartier meal that soaks up the flavors nicely.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

Perfecting the best chili recipe involves attention to detail and personal touches. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Use High-Quality Meat – Selecting fresh ground beef or turkey improves flavor and texture significantly.
• Balance Spices – Adjust spices gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.
• Don’t Rush Simmering – Allowing your chili to simmer lets the ingredients meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with Beans – Try different types of beans like black beans or pinto beans for varied textures.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Complementing your chili with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love. Consider these options:

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted bread spread with garlic butter adds crunch and flavor.
2. Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw provides a crisp contrast to the warm, hearty chili.
3. Baked Potatoes – Serve chili over baked potatoes for an extra filling option.
4. Salad – A simple green salad balances the richness of the chili with fresh veggies.
5. Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas make for a fun finger food alongside your main dish.
6. Grilled Vegetables – Charred vegetables bring smoky flavors that complement the chili well.
7. Jalapeño Poppers – These spicy bites are perfect for those who enjoy an extra kick!
8. Fried Plantains – Sweet fried plantains offer a delightful contrast to savory chili flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili can be simple, but small mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Not seasoning enough: Failing to season your chili properly can result in a bland dish. Always taste and adjust the seasoning throughout cooking.
• Using low-quality meat: Choosing poor quality meat can affect the flavor and texture of your chili. Opt for fresh, higher-quality ground beef or turkey for the best results.
• Skipping the browning step: Not browning your meat can miss out on rich flavors. Take the time to brown your ground beef properly before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking or undercooking beans: Using canned beans that are overcooked can turn mushy while undercooked beans remain hard. Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly before adding them, and make sure they are heated through during simmering.
• Ignoring simmer time: Skipping the simmering step can prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow your chili to simmer long enough for all ingredients to meld together beautifully.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

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

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes this the best chili recipe?

The Best Chili Recipe combines flavorful meats, spices, and tomatoes, resulting in a hearty dish perfect for any occasion.

Can I customize The Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different types of beans, vegetables like bell peppers, or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I make this chili spicier?

To add heat, incorporate jalapeños or cayenne pepper when cooking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for the best results.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will still provide great flavor in The Best Chili Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This The Best Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home—definitely worth trying!