Looking for a delicious, hearty chili recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further! This Best Ever Chili Recipe is packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with bold flavors from the perfect blend of spices.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for nachos or chili dogs.
Ingredient Notes:
- Strips of bacon add a smoky depth of flavor to the chili.
- Ground beef provides heartiness and richness.
- A combination of aromatic vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and garlic adds layers of flavor.
- Spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano create a warm and comforting taste.
- Canned tomatoes, black beans, and red kidney beans add texture and substance.
- Beef broth enhances the savory base of the chili.
- Optional garnishes like avocado, red onion, shredded cheese, or sour cream elevate the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start by cooking the bacon until crispy in a large pot.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Brown the ground beef in the pot, breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in the tomato paste and spices, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the canned tomatoes, beans, beef broth, and bay leaf, then simmer uncovered.
- Serve the chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeno or chipotle peppers.
- Freeze leftover chili for up to 3 months for a quick meal option.
- Adjust the thickness of the chili by adding water or broth as needed.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Allow the flavors to meld by letting the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier taste.
- Experiment with different beans like pinto or cannellini for variety.
Serving Suggestions:
This chili pairs perfectly with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this chili vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the bacon and beef and increase the amount of beans.
- How can I make this chili spicier? Add more chili powder or diced jalapenos to amp up the heat.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely, feel free to swap out the protein to suit your preferences.
Conclusion:
With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this Best Ever Chili Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy!
Print
Best Ever Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Ever Chili Recipe is packed with flavor from bacon, ground beef, beans, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon, sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon paprika, or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce can) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce can) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce can) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional garnish: avocado, red onion, shredded cheese or sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the bacon. Heat a large pot on medium heat, add the sliced bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
- Cook the veggies. Add onion and bell pepper, cook until softened. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Cook the beef. Add ground beef, cook until cooked through. Strain off any liquid.
- Add the aromatics. Stir in tomato paste, spices, and cook until fragrant.
- Add the rest and simmer. Add tomatoes, beans, broth, and bay leaf. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve. Remove bay leaf and garnish before serving.
Notes
- Store chili in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen chili in the fridge before reheating.
- Customize with jalapenos, chiles, or seasonings like Cajun.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg