Best Chili Recipe

Published: April 25, 2025

by Jessica

The Best Chili Recipe is a cozy dish perfect for gatherings, game days, or a comforting weeknight meal. This chili combines the rich flavors of ground beef and bacon with three types of beans, creating a hearty and satisfying experience. With just the right balance of spices, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it hot with sour cream and shredded cheese for an extra treat!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The unique blend of spices and ingredients creates a deliciously complex flavor that will impress everyone.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this chili recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile Options: Customize it to your liking by adding more spices or toppings like jalapeños for heat or avocado for creaminess.
Great for Meal Prep: This chili can be made in bulk and frozen, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best chili, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools make cooking easier and ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: A sturdy large pot is crucial for cooking the chili evenly without splattering. It allows ample space to sauté ingredients and simmer the flavors together.
Food vacuum sealer: This handy tool helps preserve leftover chili for future meals, keeping it fresh and flavorful when stored in the freezer.

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
* ½ teaspoon ground coriander
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

For Garnish:
* Sour cream
* Cilantro, chopped
* Shredded cheese

How to Make Best Chili Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Stir often to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove it from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned all over. Drain off any excess grease by tilting the pot slightly while using a large spoon.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients—kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes with juice, 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. Stir thoroughly to combine everything well.

Step 5: Simmer

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

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot in bowls garnished with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and reserved cooked bacon crumbles on top. Enjoy your delicious bowl of Best Chili Recipe!

How to Serve Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a delightful experience. Here are some great ideas to make your bowl of the Best Chili Recipe even more enjoyable.

Garnish Ideas

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture that balances the spice.
Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a burst of flavor and color, making your chili look vibrant.
Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle cheese on top for a melty finish that complements every bite.

Accompaniments

Cornbread: This sweet, buttery bread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up the delicious juices.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips provide a satisfying contrast when dipped into your bowl of chili.
Rice: Serve your chili over rice for a heartier meal that stretches the servings.

Beverage Pairings

Beer: A cold beer enhances the chili’s warmth and brings out its complex flavors.
Iced Tea: Sweetened iced tea offers a refreshing contrast to the spicy heat of the chili.

How to Perfect Best Chili Recipe

To make sure you achieve the ultimate flavor in your Best Chili Recipe, consider these essential tips.

Bold spices: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor. They can elevate your chili from good to great.
Simmer longer: Letting your chili cook for several hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning throughout cooking. This ensures it meets your taste preferences perfectly.
Use quality ingredients: High-quality meat and beans make a significant difference in taste and texture.
Add acidity: A splash of vinegar or lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors immensely.

Best Side Dishes for Best Chili Recipe

Side dishes can complement your Best Chili Recipe, enhancing its rich flavors. Here are some perfect options to serve alongside:

Cornbread: This classic side is slightly sweet and perfect for dipping into your chili.
Rice: Serving your chili over rice adds heartiness and helps balance its spiciness.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips can be used to scoop up chili, adding texture to each bite.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the chili.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili for a filling meal that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili seems simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome of your Best Chili Recipe. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the Bacon: Bacon adds a rich flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your chili.
Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking the onions and bell peppers too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until they’re tender for better texture.
Not Using Enough Spices: Chili needs a kick! Make sure to measure spices accurately to achieve that perfect blend of flavors.
Rushing the Cooking Time: For depth of flavor, allow your chili to simmer longer than 45 minutes if possible. Slow cooking helps meld the ingredients beautifully.
Ignoring Garnishes: Garnishes like sour cream and cheese add creaminess and contrast. Don’t forget to top your chili before serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Best Chili Recipe

Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating later.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring all air is removed.

Reheating Best Chili Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of beef stock if it’s too thick.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Best Chili Recipe that might help you out.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.

How can I make my chili spicier?

To increase heat, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños during cooking. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

What beans are best for chili?

For the best results in this recipe, kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans work wonderfully together.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili tastes even better after sitting for a day. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer.

What should I serve with my chili?

Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a hearty meal.

Final Thoughts

This Best Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile! From customizing spice levels to adding your favorite toppings, there’s something for everyone. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of flavor-packed goodness!

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

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