Best Chili Recipe

Published: May 24, 2025

by eva

The Best Chili Recipe is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this chili delivers bold flavors and textures. Packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, and three varieties of beans, it features a blend of spices that create the ultimate flavor profile. Topped with sour cream and shredded cheese, this recipe guarantees satisfaction for everyone at the table.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Delight: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a rich, savory taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, making the best chili at home is quick and hassle-free.
Versatile Dish: Serve it on its own or as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos—the possibilities are endless!
Great for Meal Prep: This chili freezes well, making it perfect for preparing meals ahead of time.
Feeding a Crowd: With 10 servings, it’s ideal for family gatherings or parties.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for cooking all the ingredients evenly without spilling. It allows ample space to stir and simmer the chili.
Food vacuum sealer: Helps to preserve leftovers by removing air from storage bags, ensuring your chili stays fresh longer 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 over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Stir often to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce the ground beef into the pot. Cook until browned entirely. Carefully tilt the pot to drain any excess grease using a large spoon.

Step 4: Combine 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 minced garlic—to the pot. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Simmer for Flavor

Reduce heat to medium-low. Let the chili simmer for at least 45 minutes while stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor development, allow it to cook longer if possible; just add extra beef stock or water as needed to maintain your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot in bowls garnished with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and remaining cooked bacon pieces on top. Enjoy!

How to Serve Best Chili Recipe

Serving the best chili recipe can elevate your dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, how you present your chili matters. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish.

Classic Bowl

Serve the chili in deep bowls for a comforting and hearty meal.
Top with sour cream and shredded cheese for added richness.

Chili Bar

Set up a chili bar with various toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, and diced onions.
Let guests customize their bowl according to their taste preferences.

Cornbread Side

Pair your chili with warm cornbread on the side.
Cornbread adds a sweet balance to the savory flavors of the chili.

Tacos

Use the chili as a filling for soft or hard taco shells.
Top with fresh avocado slices and a squeeze of lime for extra zest.

Chili Nachos

Create nachos by layering tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Bake until the cheese is gooey and serve hot as an appetizer or snack.

Stuffed Peppers

Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with leftover chili.
Bake until the peppers are tender for a unique twist on serving.

How to Perfect Best Chili Recipe

To make sure your best chili recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Choose quality meat: Using good-quality ground beef enhances flavor and texture.
Simmer longer: The longer you let the chili simmer, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for at least 45 minutes.
Add complexity: A tablespoon of cocoa powder adds depth to the flavor profile without being detectable.
Adjust spice levels: Taste as you go! Add cayenne pepper gradually if you prefer more heat.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables can significantly improve the overall taste of your chili.
Garnish creatively: Don’t skip garnishes like cilantro or sour cream; they add freshness and contrast to the rich flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your best chili recipe can enhance your meal. Here are some perfect accompaniments that complement its rich flavors.

Cornbread
A classic pairing that brings sweetness to balance out spicy flavors. Serve warm for the best experience.
Rice
Fluffy white or brown rice is great for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Consider cooking it in broth for added flavor.
Guacamole
Creamy guacamole adds a refreshing contrast. Serve it alongside tortilla chips for dipping.
Coleslaw
A crunchy slaw brings texture and brightness to each bite. It’s especially nice if served chilled.
Baked Potatoes
Serve baked potatoes topped with chili instead of traditional toppings. It’s a hearty twist on comfort food!
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Crispy grilled cheese pairs perfectly with chili, providing both crunch and gooeyness in every bite.
Salad
A simple green salad offers freshness that balances out the richness of the chili. Dress lightly!
Fritos® Chips
These crunchy corn chips are perfect for scooping up chili or adding crunch on top!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes when preparing their chili. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Ignoring the meat quality: Using low-quality meat can lead to a less flavorful chili. Always opt for good quality ground beef for the best results.
Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the meat properly can result in a dull flavor. Take your time to cook the beef until it’s well-browned.
Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning is a frequent error. Make sure to add enough spices throughout the cooking process for a robust flavor.
Rushing the simmering time: Chili benefits from a long simmer. Allow it to cook for at least 45 minutes, or longer if possible, to develop depth in taste.
Overloading with beans: While beans are delicious, too many can overwhelm other flavors. Stick to three types for balance.
Neglecting garnishes: Skipping toppings like sour cream and cheese can diminish the overall experience. Don’t forget those delicious garnishes!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Best Chili Recipe

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be frozen for up to 4–6 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Best Chili Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 20–30 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring often until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Best Chili Recipe that may help you with your cooking journey.

What makes this the Best Chili Recipe?

This recipe combines high-quality ingredients with an ideal blend of spices, resulting in rich flavors that everyone will love.

Can I customize this Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like corn or zucchini, or adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeños or chili powder.

How can I make this Best Chili Recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.

How do I thicken my chili?

If your chili is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for longer or mix in a little cornstarch slurry for added thickness.

Is this chili recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The Best Chili Recipe stores well in both the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

The Best Chili Recipe stands out as a hearty and customizable dish perfect for any occasion. With its savory flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t hesitate to try it out and adapt it to suit your taste preferences!

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

📖 Recipe Card