Best Ever Chili Recipe (2024)

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Thick, rich, and flavorful, this classic chili recipe is a MUST make! This chili is filled with lean ground beef, a mix of beans, ripe tomatoes, fresh seasonings and it’s topped with all your favorites!

Need a side to go with your chili? Try this homemade cornbread (or add a little spice with thisjalapeño cornbread)for a side dish that compliments this chili recipe perfectly.

Best Ever Chili Recipe (1)

The Best Chili Recipe

There is always the classic debate on whether or not chili should have beans in it. This recipe does and it’s so delicious! This recipe can feed a crowd and is made within 30 minutes. Not only that but it cooks up in one pot which masker for easy cleanup! It is so simple and has SO much flavor.

My family loves to make this recipe year round. It is perfect in the winter to warm up but also a summer time favorite during BBQ season. If you are ready to branch out and try a chili thats totally different then check out this Crack Chicken Chili recipe next!

Ingredients to Make Chili

This is an ultimate chili recipe with loads of flavor and an easy to make recipe. In 30 minutes this chili will be ready to feed a crowd!

  • Olive Oil: This is used to sauté the onion, bell pepper, cloves creating a flavor.
  • Onion: Dice up the onion into small, uniform pieces.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Cut into small chunks.
  • Garlic Cloves: I prefer fresh cloves but you can use the jarred minced garlic instead! 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic is equal to one clove.
  • Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives flavor but also less fat and grease.
  • Beef Broth:The beef broth adds in flavor to the chili while cooking.
  • Tomato: To make things easy, get the canned tomatoes that are already in sauce.
  • Beans: Pinto beans and kidney beans give a good mixture of tender and soft beans.
  • Seasonings: Chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, saltand cayenne mixes together giving the chili a sweet, spicy and savory flavoring.

How to Make Good Homemade Chili

This is a dump and go recipe that uses only one pot! It is perfect for a quick meal during a busy week or let simmer on a weekend when feeding a crowd. Bring this chili to any potluck or gathering and watch it disappear in no time.

  1. Sauté and Cook Beef: In a large pot add the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and sauté until almost tender. Brown the ground beef and cook and crumble until brown.
  2. Add in Remaining Ingredients:Add in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne.
  3. Boil:Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer until it starts to thicken and flavors combine (about 30 minutes).
Best Ever Chili Recipe (2)

Variations and Substitutions

Sometimes, we need to change things up! Whether it’s because you want to try new flavors or you are missing some ingredients from your pantry and need to use something different, I have you covered!

  • Vegetables:Potatoes, carrots, celery, mushrooms or zucchini are all great add ins for sautéing at the beginning.
  • Meat: Substitute the beef for turkey, steak, Italian sausage or chicken.
  • Seasonings:Try using taco seasoning for a tex-tex taste.
  • Smokey Taste:Try adding adobo sauce, paprika or a liquid smoke for a smoky taste.
  • Beef Broth: Don’t have beef broth? Chicken or even water will help keep it thick and will simmer well with either liquid.
  • Sugar:Sounds crazy, right! Sugar adds a bit of sweetness. Cocoa powder will also add subtle hint of sweetness with a savory taste of chocolate. It is a must try! Just a teaspoon will do the trick!
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Toppings

Add these toppings to your chili for more flavor. From a sweet avocado, creamy sour cream, or a crunchy chip is just what this chili needs. All the favorites blend together so well with this chili recipe.

  • Sour Cream: Add a dollop over top.
  • Onions: Chopped up and sprinkled on top.
  • Shredded Cheese: This will melt over top the chili
  • Jalapeños:This adds in some heat.
  • Cilantro: Looks good and adds a great flavoring!
  • Avocado:I love the fresh, creamy texture this brings to it.
  • Tortilla Strips: These are a must. Try my homemade tortilla strips recipe for the best of the best.
  • Frito Chips: I love the salty flavor of these to complement the dish.
  • Lime Wedges: Squeeze the limes over the top for a fresh flavor.
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Storing Chili

  • In the Refrigerator:It is best to keep the chili in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator once cooled after cooking. You can store leftover chili in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days
  • Can you freeze chili? Yes! It is another perk about this recipe. Once it is cooled completely add it to a large ziplock bag letting out of all the air. Laying flat, place the chili in the freezer for 1 month. Don’t forget to label it with the date!
  • Warming up:When you are ready to reheat the chili, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and heat it in a saucepan or microwave until it’s warmed through.

More Popular Chili Recipes

If you loved this chili then you MUST try out some more of my tried and true favorite chili recipes. There are so many delicious flavors!

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Best Ever Chili Recipe

4.87 from 69 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

Thick, rich and flavorful! Filled with lean ground beef, mix of beans, ripe tomatoes, fresh seasonings and topped with all your favorites! This classic chili recipe is a MUST make!

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 People

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large pot add the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and sauté until almost tender. Add in the ground beef and cook and crumble until brown.

  • Add in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne.

  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer until it starts to thicken and flavors combine about 30 minutes.

Video

Notes

Originally posted on April 26, 2020

Updated on May 6, 2022

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 26gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 534mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 981IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

Read More About Me

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Best Ever Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

How does Martha Stewart make chili? ›

Add chili powder, cocoa, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, broth, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until thickened slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve with sour cream and chives.

Why does Wendy's chili taste so good? ›

Pinto beans have a creamy texture and a nutty and slightly earthy flavor. Kidney beans have a dense texture and subtly sweet flavor. Finally, customers love Wendy's chili because it's just good, old-fashioned comfort food.

Why do you put butter in chili? ›

Butter smooths out the bitterness and adds its unique richness, making you take another bite without quite knowing why. A dash of sugar and vinegar gives a sweet-sour flavor that also makes the sauce rounder and more satisfying.

Does Wendy's put sugar in their chili? ›

Chili Concentrate: Chili Sauce (Water, Tomato Juice, Tomatoes, Calcium Chloride, Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Corn Starch, Dried Chilies, Spices, Flavor Enhancer [Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Modified Corn Starch], Citric Acid, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Xanthan gum), Beans (Pink Beans, Red ...

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

Why do you put sour cream in chili? ›

The slightly tart flavor will add brightness and complexity to your tried-and-true chili recipe, while the thick texture creates heartiness and a creamy mouthfeel. As for the garnish, rest assured, a handful of shredded cheese and diced scallions can more than get the job done on their own.

Why do people put milk in chili? ›

As the meat becomes more acidic, it can absorb more moisture. Think of it like a dry sponge that gets soft and squishy once you add water. At the same time, the acidity of dairy speeds up chemical reactions. This makes it easier for enzymes already present in the meat to break down proteins from the inside out.

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato paste is a great way to add bonus tomato flavor, and thickness, to a chili recipe. To get the best flavor it needs to be browned. Add a couple tablespoons (or a whole can if you want a thicker soup base) directly to the pan after cooking the meat and onions.

What does paprika do for chili? ›

Think of paprika as the gentler, sweeter cousin of hot chili peppers. It enlivens your favorite dishes with fruity notes and a toasty red color without ever taking over the show.

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

'" Further east in Ohio, Cincinnati-style chili has many of the same ingredients as traditional red chili, such as cayenne, cumin and paprika. But it also skews sweeter with the addition of warm baking spices like allspice, nutmeg — and cinnamon.

How do you pimp up a chilli? ›

Enrich a classic chilli con carne with peanut butter, espresso powder and dark chocolate for a decadent boost.

Is chili better the longer it cooks? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

What spices make chili hotter? ›

Store bought or homemade, keep some pickled banana peppers, cayenne pepper powder, or diced jalapenos (with or without seeds!) on the table so your guests have the option of dialing up the spice or keeping it completely turned down.

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