The Best Chili Recipe

Learn how to make the best chili recipe with this easy-to-follow dish, perfect for cozy gatherings or a warm family dinner. This chili is rich in flavor and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it suitable for any occasion. Enjoy it year-round topped with gooey melted cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delicious pot of chili without any fuss.
• Flavorful and Hearty – This chili is packed with robust flavors that come from spices and fresh ingredients, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
• Customizable – Feel free to add your favorite beans, vegetables, or even adjust the spice levels to suit your taste!
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, or freeze portions for future meals.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, this chili fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven – Ideal for even cooking and simmering; its heavy base prevents burning while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Slotted spoon – Perfect for transferring cooked meats without excess grease, ensuring your dish remains healthy and flavorful.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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 the Turkey Bacon is hot and sizzling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally. Once the Turkey Bacon pieces are golden, remove the lid and allow your Turkey Bacon pieces to cook until the desired doneness is reached. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the 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. Brown the ground beef while seasoning it with salt and pepper. Transfer 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 tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat while stirring continuously. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring everything to a simmer.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Some Beans

Once your onion-tomato mixture reaches a simmer, return the cooked Turkey Bacon and ground beef back into the pot. Stir in kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth (beef, bone, chicken, or vegetable). Mix well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer

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

Step 6: Serve

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

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili is a delightful experience, and you can enhance it with various toppings and side dishes. This allows everyone to customize their bowl according to their taste preferences.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melting cheese on top creates a rich, savory flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a crunchy texture and bright flavor.
• Tabasco Sauce: For those who enjoy heat, a few drops of Tabasco sauce will elevate the chili’s flavor.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be served on the side for added texture or used to scoop up the chili.
• Rice: Serving chili over rice makes it heartier and adds a different flavor dimension.
• Garden Salad: A simple green salad offers freshness and balances out the richness of the chili.

How to Perfect The Best Chili Recipe

Perfecting your chili recipe is key to achieving that rich, satisfying flavor. Here are some tips to consider:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and tomatoes will enhance the overall taste of your chili.
• Balance Flavors: Taste as you go; adjust the salt, spices, and sweetness until you find the perfect balance.
• Simmer Longer: Letting your chili simmer longer allows flavors to meld, making it more robust.
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add spices like paprika or cayenne for an extra kick or different depth.
• Add Beans Last: To maintain their texture, add beans toward the end of cooking rather than letting them simmer too long.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread complements the flavors of chili perfectly while adding a crunchy bite.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to spicy chili, balancing flavors beautifully.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can serve as a base for chili, allowing for a filling meal option.
4. Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains offer an interesting contrast in texture and sweetness against spicy flavors.
5. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas make for a great side; they’re easy to dip into your chili!
6. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad refreshes your palate between bites of hearty chili.
7. Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add richness that pairs well with spiced dishes like chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili is straightforward, but a few common mistakes can ruin the flavor. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step – Not browning the meat can lead to a bland chili. Always take the time to brown your ground beef properly for a richer flavor.
• Not seasoning enough – If you don’t season your chili adequately, it may taste flat. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking.
• Ignoring simmering time – Rushing the simmering process can cause flavors not to meld fully. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for best results.
• Using low-quality ingredients – Low-quality tomatoes or broth can negatively impact taste. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes and fresh broth whenever possible.
• Overloading with beans – While beans are delicious, too many can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced chili.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing The Best Chili Recipe

• Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Chili Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chili in a covered dish for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stopping to stir every minute until heated through.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes The Best Chili Recipe different?

The Best Chili Recipe combines rich flavors from ground beef, spices, and quality tomatoes, creating a delightful balance that’s perfect year-round.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of The Best Chili Recipe without sacrificing flavor.

How do I make my chili spicier?

To add heat, include diced jalapeños or additional chili powder when cooking. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side.

What toppings go best with this chili?

Some great toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and even avocado slices for added creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This recipe delivers flavorful comfort food that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its versatility, you can easily customize The Best Chili Recipe by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate; try making this delicious dish today!