Best Chili Recipe

The Best Chili Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty comfort food! Perfect for cozy family dinners, game day gatherings, or potlucks, this chili packs a bold flavor punch with ground beef, crispy bacon, and three varieties of beans. The blend of spices elevates the dish, making it a standout in any meal lineup. Top it off with sour cream and shredded cheese for added creaminess and satisfaction.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chili:
• For Garnish:
• How to Make Best Chili Recipe
• Step 1: Cook the Bacon
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Brown the Beef
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Simmer the Chili
• Step 6: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Best Chili Recipe
• Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
• Pair with Bread
• Create a Chili Bar
• How to Perfect Best Chili Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Best Chili Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Best Chili Recipe
• Reheating Best Chili Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How long does the Best Chili Recipe take to cook?
• Can I make this chili recipe vegetarian?
• What toppings go well with the Best Chili Recipe?
• Can I freeze leftovers of the Best Chili Recipe?
• What is the best way to reheat leftover chili?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: This chili is loaded with spices and ingredients that create an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own or as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, or hot dogs.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet delicious enough to impress seasoned cooks.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze portions for later; it keeps well and tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper according to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the Best Chili Recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Food vacuum sealer (optional, for freezing chili)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Food vacuum sealer: Useful for storing leftovers in airtight packages, extending the shelf life of your chili.

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 6 strips bacon, good quality, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
• 1 can pinto beans (15 oz), drained
• 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained
• 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes (15 oz), with juice
• 1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

For Garnish:

• Sour cream
• Cilantro, chopped
• Shredded cheese

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How to Make Best Chili Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Stir often to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same pot. Cook until tender while stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned. Drain any excess grease by tilting the pot and using a large spoon.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients—kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, jalapeño (if using), beef stock, oregano, cumin, cocoa powder, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground coriander, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic—to the pot along with three-quarters of the cooked bacon. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer the Chili

Cook over medium-low heat for at least 45 minutes while stirring occasionally. For enhanced flavor, allow it to simmer longer if possible; adding extra beef stock or water as needed to maintain your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve hot with your choice of garnishes such as sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and remaining cooked bacon. Enjoy your delicious bowl of chili!

How to Serve Best Chili Recipe

Serving the Best Chili Recipe can elevate your meal experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some great ways to serve this hearty dish.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice of the chili.
• Cilantro – Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Shredded Cheese – Melted cheese enhances richness; try cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.

Pair with Bread

• Cornbread – Sweet cornbread complements the savory chili nicely.
• Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the chili.

Create a Chili Bar

• Toppings Station – Set up a variety of toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, and avocado, allowing guests to customize their bowls.
• Side Dishes – Offer sides such as rice or tortilla chips to enjoy alongside the chili.

How to Perfect Best Chili Recipe

To achieve the ultimate flavor in your Best Chili Recipe, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Spices – Ensure you use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact; they can make a big difference in taste.
• Simmer Longer – Allowing your chili to simmer longer enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully.
• Taste as You Go – Adjust seasoning during cooking; tasting helps you find the ideal balance.
• Use Quality Meat – Opt for high-quality ground beef and bacon; better ingredients lead to better results.
• Rest Before Serving – Letting your chili sit for a bit allows flavors to develop further before serving.

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Best Side Dishes for Best Chili Recipe

Adding side dishes can complement your Best Chili Recipe and round out the meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Rice – Steamed white or brown rice absorbs the chili’s flavors well.
2. Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips provide texture and are great for scooping.
3. Salad – A fresh garden salad adds a light contrast to the rich chili.
4. Pickled Jalapeños – These add an extra kick that many enjoy with their chili!
5. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole pairs wonderfully, balancing out spiciness.
6. Fried Plantains – Sweet fried plantains offer a unique twist and sweetness to counteract heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Best Chili Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful chili. Always take time to brown it well for deeper flavor.
• Overlooking Spice Measurements: Too much or too little spice can ruin your chili. Measure spices carefully, and adjust them according to your taste.
• Neglecting Simmer Time: Rushing the cooking process can result in bland chili. Let it simmer for at least 45 minutes, or longer if possible, for the best flavor.
• Not Using Quality Ingredients: Low-quality meat or canned products can affect taste. Invest in good quality ground beef and beans for a more delicious outcome.
• Ignoring Personal Preferences: Not tailoring the recipe to your preferences can lead to disappointment. Feel free to adjust ingredients like beans or heat level as you like.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container.
• Chili will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow chili to cool before sealing the container.

Freezing Best Chili Recipe

• Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• It can be frozen for 4-6 months without losing flavor.
• Label containers with dates for better organization.

Reheating Best Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place chili in an oven-safe dish, covering with foil. Heat for about 30-40 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Best Chili Recipe take to cook?

The Best Chili Recipe requires about 1 hour total—15 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cooking time.

Can I make this chili recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock for a vegetarian version.

What toppings go well with the Best Chili Recipe?

Popular toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and crispy bacon pieces. Customize based on your preference!

Can I freeze leftovers of the Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! The chili freezes well for up to 4-6 months. Just make sure it’s in a suitable container.

What is the best way to reheat leftover chili?

Reheat using an oven, microwave, or stovetop according to your preference and time available. Each method works well!

Final Thoughts

This Best Chili Recipe is not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different beans or spices based on what you enjoy most. Whether enjoyed on its own or topped with your favorite garnishes, it’s sure to please everyone at your table!

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