The Best Chili Recipe

Learn how to make the best chili recipe that combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a comforting weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this chili will impress everyone with its robust taste. The unique blend of spices and meats creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in just over an hour.
• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of spices and quality ingredients delivers a rich, savory flavor profile.
• Customizable Toppings: Enjoy it your way! Top your chili with sour cream, cheese, or fresh herbs for added flair.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili stores well, making it ideal for leftovers or freezing for future meals.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and kids alike.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and allows you to brown meat while simmering the chili all in one pot.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring cooked ingredients without excess grease or liquid.

Ingredients

Learn how to make the best chili recipe with this easy-to-follow recipe. Enjoy year-round topped with gooey melted cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

For the Base

• 1 pound Turkey Bacon (chopped into small pieces)
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 medium onions (diced)
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

For the Spices

• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoon sugar

For the Sauce

• 3-4 tablespoon 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 sizzling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally until golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked Turkey Bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of leftover Turkey Bacon grease.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same pot over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of reserved Turkey Bacon grease and then add ground beef. Brown it while seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer beef to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Add remaining Turkey Bacon grease to your pot over medium heat. Cook diced onions for 5-7 minutes until soft. 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 this mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Return Beef and Add Beans

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

Step 5: Simmer

Allow your chili to simmer for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Adjust salt, pepper or spices as necessary; add additional broth if your chili becomes too thick.

Step 6: Serve

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

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili can be a delightful experience, especially when you have the right toppings and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your chili game.

Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melty cheese on top provides a rich flavor that complements the chili.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a crunchy texture and a mild onion flavor.
• Tabasco Sauce – For those who enjoy heat, a few dashes of Tabasco can spice things up.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Sweet, fluffy cornbread is perfect for soaking up extra chili.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips offer a nice contrast to the warm chili and can be used for dipping.
• Rice – Serving chili over rice makes it heartier and helps absorb the flavors.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado adds richness and freshness to each bite.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

Perfecting your chili recipe can take your dish from good to great. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and vegetables elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Feel free to tweak the amount of chili powder or cumin based on your taste preferences.
• Let It Simmer Longer – Allowing the chili to simmer longer enhances its flavors as they meld together beautifully.
• Taste As You Go – Regularly tasting your chili helps you adjust seasoning and spice levels throughout cooking.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your best chili recipe can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of chili.
2. Coleslaw – A cool, crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to hot chili.
3. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili for a filling meal.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
5. Salad – A light garden salad offers freshness that balances the richness of the chili.
6. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese pairs well with spicy chili for comfort food lovers.
7. Stuffed Peppers – Peppers filled with rice and cheese make for a hearty side that complements the flavors in your bowl of chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Chili Recipe, it’s easy to stumble into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Using low-quality ingredients – Poor quality meat or canned tomatoes can lead to bland chili. Always choose fresh, high-quality components for the best flavor.
• Ignoring seasoning – Under-seasoning is a common mistake. Always taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to enhance the chili’s richness.
• Rushing the simmering time – Skipping the simmering step can result in a less flavorful dish. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
• Overcrowding the pot – Adding too many ingredients at once can prevent proper browning. Brown meat and cook vegetables in batches if necessary.
• Neglecting toppings – Toppings can elevate your chili experience. Don’t skip on garnishes like cheese, sour cream, and green onions for added texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The Best Chili Recipe will keep well for up to 5 days.

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave – Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding The Best Chili Recipe:

What makes The Best Chili Recipe special?

The combination of lean ground beef and turkey bacon creates a unique flavor profile that stands out while remaining comforting and hearty.

Can I customize The Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different beans, vegetables, or spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I make The Best Chili Recipe spicier?

To increase the heat, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. You can also incorporate hot sauce as a topping when serving.

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor while still keeping it delicious.

Final Thoughts

The Best Chili Recipe is not just another dinner; it’s a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly night or serve it at gatherings with friends, this recipe allows room for customization with your favorite toppings and spice levels. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe today!

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

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The Best Chili Recipe

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Best Chili Recipe! This hearty dish combines lean ground beef and turkey bacon with a rich blend of spices and aromatic vegetables, creating a robust flavor that warms the soul. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this chili is easily customizable with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also makes great leftovers, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a bowl of this satisfying and delicious chili!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 pound turkey bacon (chopped into small pieces)
• 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, chicken broth, or vegetable broth)

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook chopped turkey bacon until golden. Remove and reserve grease.
2. Brown the ground beef in the same pot using some reserved turkey bacon grease; season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
3. Sauté diced onions in remaining grease until soft. Stir in cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, sugar, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes; bring to a simmer.
4. Return turkey bacon and beef to the pot, add kidney beans and broth. Mix well.
5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, adjusting seasoning as necessary.
6. Serve hot with desired toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg