The Best Chili Recipe

Learn how to make the best chili recipe with this easy-to-follow guide. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this chili is rich in flavor and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Enjoy its warm, hearty goodness any time of the year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – This recipe simplifies the cooking process, making it accessible for anyone.
• Rich, Flavorful Taste – A blend of spices and fresh ingredients delivers a dish packed with flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients – Use whatever beans or toppings you prefer; this chili adapts to your tastes.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for potlucks or family dinners, it’s sure to satisfy everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more efficient. Here are some essential items you’ll need for making the best chili recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch Oven
• Slotted Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven – Provides even heating and is perfect for simmering your chili to perfection.
• Slotted Spoon – Helps separate cooked ingredients from excess grease or liquid easily.
• Cutting Board – A stable surface for chopping your vegetables safely.
• Chef’s Knife – A versatile tool that makes slicing and dicing quick and easy.

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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 Meat

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

For the Vegetables

• 2 medium onions (diced)

For the Seasonings

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

For the Base

• 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce

For the Beans

• 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans (drained, not rinsed)

For the Broth

• 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, remove the lid and allow it to cook until desired doneness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of leftover grease.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of reserved Turkey Bacon grease. Add ground beef, browning it while seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer browned beef to a clean plate.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Add remaining Turkey Bacon grease to your pot set 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; mix well. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Return Beef & Add Beans

Once onion mixture simmers, return Turkey Bacon and ground beef back into the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth (choose from beef, bone, chicken, or vegetable). Mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer

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

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious chili hot with all your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or Tabasco sauce if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili is all about enhancing its delicious flavors and creating a satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some fantastic serving suggestions.

Toppings to Elevate Your Chili

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chili.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melted cheese on top adds richness and enhances the overall taste.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions give a crunchy texture and a hint of sharpness.
• Jalapeños – For those who love heat, sliced jalapeños add an exciting kick.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado balances the spices and brings freshness.

Accompaniments for a Complete Meal

• Cornbread – Serve warm cornbread on the side for a classic pairing that complements chili perfectly.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips offer a great way to scoop up your chili while adding texture.
• Rice – A side of fluffy rice can help soak up the delicious sauce and make the meal heartier.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

Perfecting your chili can elevate it from good to extraordinary. Here are some tips to make your chili even better.

• Use Quality Meat – Select fresh ground beef or turkey for more flavor and tenderness.
• Adjust Spices – Customize the amount of cumin, chili powder, and other spices based on your taste preference.
• Simmer Longer – Allowing your chili to simmer longer enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully.
• Add Fresh Ingredients – Incorporating fresh herbs or vegetables just before serving can brighten up the dish.
• Experiment with Broths – Try different types of broth for varied depth of flavor—chicken broth works exceptionally well!

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

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

1. Cornbread – This sweet bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adds a comforting touch.
2. Coleslaw – A crisp, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to spicy chili flavors.
3. Garlic Bread – Warm garlic bread is ideal for dipping in chili, offering both flavor and texture.
4. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be loaded with chili for a hearty twist on this classic dish.
5. Fried Plantains – Sweet fried plantains add an interesting flavor balance to the spiciness of the chili.
6. Stuffed Peppers – Fill bell peppers with rice or quinoa as a nutritious side that complements the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Chili Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key elements that can impact the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Using too much salt – Adding excessive salt can overpower the flavors of your chili. Start with a small amount and adjust as you taste.
• Skipping browning the meat – Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a bland chili. Always brown your meat well for added depth of flavor.
• Ignoring simmer time – Rushing the simmering process can result in underdeveloped flavors. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for the best results.
• Not balancing spices – Using too much or too little spice can ruin your chili. Taste and adjust spices gradually to achieve the desired balance.
• Forgetting about toppings – Toppings enhance the chili experience. Don’t skip adding sour cream, cheese, or green onions for a delicious finish.

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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 an airtight container or freezer bag 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 – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What kind of meat is best for chili?

Ground beef is commonly used, but turkey or chicken also work well. Choose according to your taste preference.

Can I make this chili recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth for a vegetarian option.

How spicy is The Best Chili Recipe?

The spice level depends on your choice of chili powder and optional additions like jalapeños. Adjust accordingly based on your taste.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it a day ahead allows flavors to deepen. Just store it properly and reheat when ready to serve.

What are good toppings for chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and avocado. Feel free to customize based on what you enjoy!

Final Thoughts

The Best Chili Recipe is not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by changing the meats or adjusting spices based on your preferences. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends, this chili will surely impress everyone at the table. Try it today!