The Best Chili Recipe

Learn how to make the best chili recipe with this easy-to-follow guide. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this chili is rich in flavor and can be customized to suit your tastes. Enjoy it year-round topped with gooey melted cheese, sour cream, and fresh green onions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: This chili is loaded with spices that create a deep, satisfying flavor that will warm you from the inside out.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, making this chili is a breeze for both novice and seasoned cooks.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite toppings or add vegetables for a unique twist.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later meals.
• Family-Friendly: This hearty dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table, making it perfect for family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth process.

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 simmering and allows even heat distribution, perfect for cooking your chili thoroughly.
• Slotted spoon: Helps you transfer cooked ingredients without excess liquid, ensuring the right texture in your final dish.
• Cutting board & Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.

Ingredients

To make the best chili recipe, gather these ingredients:

For the Base

• 1 pound Turkey Bacon (chopped into small pieces)
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 medium onions (diced)

Seasonings

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

Tomatoes & Beans

• 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)

Broth

• 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 hot and sizzling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally until golden. Remove the lid and continue cooking until desired doneness. Transfer cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels using a slotted spoon. Reserve 2 tablespoons of leftover grease in the pot.

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 and season with salt and pepper. Brown until fully cooked, then transfer to a clean plate and set aside.

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 then stir in tomato paste; cook for another 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Return Beef and Add Beans

Once simmering, return cooked Turkey Bacon and ground beef to the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth (beef or vegetable). Mix well until combined.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow chili to simmer for 15-20 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning by adding extra salt or spices if needed. If too thick, add more broth until desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili is a delightful experience that can elevate your meal. Here are some suggestions to make your chili night even more enjoyable.

Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture and balances the spices.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melted cheese on top enhances flavor and richness.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions provide a crunchy contrast and fresh kick.
• Tabasco Sauce – For those who love heat, a few drops of Tabasco can spice things up.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory chili, soaking up the flavors.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips make for a great side and can be used for dipping.
• Rice – Serving chili over rice makes it heartier and adds another layer of texture.

Presentation Ideas

• Chili Bar – Set up a chili bar where guests can customize their bowls with toppings and sides.
• Colorful Bowls – Use vibrant bowls to serve individual portions, adding an appealing visual element.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

Achieving the best chili takes a few key techniques. Here are some tips to help you master this dish.

• Bold Seasoning – Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings based on your taste. Adding more cumin or chili powder can enhance flavor significantly.
• Simmer Longer – Allowing your chili to simmer longer develops deeper flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes if you have the time.
• Quality Ingredients – Use fresh and high-quality ingredients like canned tomatoes and spices for the best taste.
• Taste as You Go – Regularly taste your chili while cooking, adjusting salt and spices as needed.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Cornbread – This slightly sweet bread complements the spicy notes of chili perfectly.
2. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole adds richness and balances the heat.
3. Coleslaw – Fresh coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the chili.
4. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes are perfect for topping with chili, creating a filling meal.
5. Garden Salad – A light garden salad offers freshness and contrast to the hearty chili.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – Melty grilled cheese sandwiches are great for dipping into rich, flavorful chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Chili Recipe, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Searing – Failing to brown the meat properly can lead to a bland chili. Always sear your ground beef for deeper flavor.
• Not Using Enough Seasoning – Overlooking spices can dull your dish. Be generous with chili powder, cumin, and salt to enhance flavor.
• Adding Beans Too Early – If you add beans too soon, they may become mushy. Stir them in during the last stages of cooking for better texture.
• Ignoring Consistency – Don’t forget to adjust the broth! If your chili is too thick, adding more broth helps achieve the perfect consistency.
• Rushing the Simmering Process – A rush can sacrifice flavor development. Let your chili simmer long enough for all the ingredients to meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

• Portion out chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake until heated through (about 20-25 minutes).
• Microwave – Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop – Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about The Best Chili Recipe.

What makes The Best Chili Recipe different?

The Best Chili Recipe stands out due to its rich flavors from perfectly spiced ingredients like cumin and chili powder combined with hearty beans.

How can I customize The Best Chili Recipe?

Feel free to add different beans, vegetables like bell peppers, or even switch up the meat for chicken or turkey according to your taste preferences.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the meat and use a combination of beans and vegetables as your base while adding extra spices for flavor.

How spicy is The Best Chili Recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted based on personal preference. Start with mild chili powder and gradually increase if you prefer more heat.

Final Thoughts

The Best Chili Recipe is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to personal tastes. Give it a try today!