The Best Chili Recipe

Learn how to make the best chili recipe with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this chili is rich in flavor and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re serving it at a game day party or enjoying a family meal, this dish stands out with its savory ingredients and hearty texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Satisfying – Packed with spices and rich meats, this chili delivers a comforting taste that warms you from the inside out.
• Easy to Make – With straightforward instructions, anyone can whip up this delicious dish without fuss.
• Versatile for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this chili fits right in.
• Customizable Toppings – Add your favorite toppings like sour cream and cheese for a personal touch that enhances each bowl.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; chili only gets better as it sits!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven – Ideal for slow cooking your chili evenly, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
• Slotted spoon – Helps remove cooked ingredients easily without transferring excess liquid into your final dish.
• Cutting board – Provides a safe surface to chop your vegetables and meats efficiently.

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Ingredients

To create the best chili recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chili Base

• 1 pound Turkey Bacon (chopped into small pieces)
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 medium onions (diced)
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans (drained, not rinsed)
• 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 continue cooking until desired doneness is reached. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of leftover Turkey Bacon grease.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of reserved Turkey Bacon grease back to your Dutch oven. Add the ground beef and brown it while seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer browned beef 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 the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Sprinkle with salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and sugar. Mix well to combine. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes over medium heat while stirring continuously. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Beans

As soon as your onion-tomato mixture simmers, return the cooked Turkey Bacon and ground beef to the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth (beef, bone, chicken, or vegetable). Mix well.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow your chili to simmer for 15-20 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt or spices as needed; add additional broth if your chili is too thick.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with all your favorite toppings including sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and Tabasco sauce if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, there are plenty of ways to enhance your bowl of chili and make it even more enjoyable.

Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melting cheese on top creates a rich flavor and texture contrast.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions provide a crunchy texture and a hint of onion flavor.
• Tabasco Sauce – For those who love extra spice, a few drops of Tabasco sauce can kick things up a notch.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – This sweet and buttery bread pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of chili.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips can be used for scooping up chili or as a side snack.
• Rice – Serving chili over rice makes for a hearty meal that fills you up.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

Perfecting your chili can elevate the dish to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure you make the best chili recipe possible.

• Use fresh spices – Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor significantly compared to pre-ground ones.
• Let it simmer longer – Allowing your chili to simmer for an extended period deepens the flavors and improves texture.
• Adjust consistency – If your chili is too thick, add broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Taste as you go – Regularly sampling your chili will help you adjust spices and seasoning 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 to consider.

1. Cornbread – Sweet, moist cornbread complements the spiciness of chili beautifully.
2. Rice – Fluffy white or brown rice serves as a neutral base that absorbs flavors well.
3. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole adds richness and freshness, enhancing the overall experience.
4. Tortilla Chips – Perfect for scooping, these crunchy chips add texture and fun to your meal.
5. Garden Salad – A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty nature of chili.
6. Stuffed Peppers – Fill bell peppers with rice and beans for a colorful and nutritious side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the best chili requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the seasoning – Many people forget to season their chili properly. Always taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or spices for optimal flavor.
• Using too much liquid – A runny chili can be unappealing. Start with less broth and add more only if necessary for the desired consistency.
• Not browning the meat – Failing to brown the beef can lead to a bland taste. Make sure to take your time browning it well for deeper flavors.
• Ignoring simmer time – Rushing the cooking process can affect flavor development. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for the best results.
• Overlooking toppings – The right toppings can elevate your chili. Don’t skip adding sour cream, cheese, or green onions for a fresh finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow cooling before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making The Best Chili Recipe.

What makes The Best Chili Recipe unique?

The Best Chili Recipe stands out due to its rich flavors from spices and the perfect balance of ingredients like kidney beans and ground beef.

Can I customize The Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add peppers, corn, or even swap beef for turkey or lamb based on your preference.

How spicy is The Best Chili Recipe?

The spiciness depends on the amount of chili powder used. Adjust according to your taste by adding more or using milder peppers.

How do I thicken The Best Chili Recipe?

You can thicken it by simmering longer or adding a cornstarch slurry. Another option is incorporating mashed beans for added texture.

What should I serve with The Best Chili Recipe?

Pair it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal that everyone will love!

Final Thoughts

The Best Chili Recipe is not just delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its rich flavors can be customized with various toppings and ingredients, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness!