Hearty Homemade Best Chili Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Crafting the best chili recipe demands creativity and a passion for bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Hearty ingredients mingle together, creating a symphony of taste that warms you from the inside out.

Comfort meets culinary art in this delectable dish that promises to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Spices weave their magic, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that tells a story of tradition and innovation.

Each bite promises a journey through rich, complex layers of flavor that surprise and delight.

Home cooks and kitchen adventurers will find joy in mastering this ultimate comfort food that brings people closer.

Let this chili become your signature dish that turns ordinary dinners into memorable feasts.

How To Store The Best Chili Recipe The Right Way

• Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the chili cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of beef stock or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

The Best Chili Recipe FAQ Guide

• Why use multiple types of beans in this chili?

Different beans add unique textures and flavors. Kidney beans provide earthiness, black beans bring creaminess, and pinto beans contribute a soft bite, creating a more complex and satisfying chili experience.

• What makes the bacon so important in this recipe?

Bacon adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture. Cooking bacon first creates flavorful drippings for sautéing vegetables, and the crispy pieces mixed back in provide an extra layer of deliciousness.

• How does cocoa powder enhance the chili?

Cocoa powder adds depth and a subtle richness without making the chili taste like chocolate. It helps balance the spices and creates a more rounded, complex flavor profile that makes the chili more sophisticated.

Reasons People Love The Best Chili Recipe

• Craft Flavor-Packed Comfort: This chili recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, deep flavors.
• Master a Complex Dish with Ease: Despite seeming intricate, the recipe follows simple steps anyone can follow, making restaurant-quality chili accessible for home cooks.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Flexible ingredients and optional toppings allow personal creativity, letting you adjust spice levels and garnishes to match your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal for Any Gathering: Perfect for game days, potlucks, family dinners, or casual weekend meals, this hearty chili satisfies diverse groups with its robust and comforting profile.

What You Need For The Best Chili Recipe

• Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides the hearty foundation of the chili.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy texture and deep flavor to the dish.

• Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans, Black Beans: Provide protein, texture, and authentic chili character.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Create a robust flavor base and add texture to the chili.
• Jalapeño: Introduces a spicy kick to the recipe.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Beef Stock: Builds a rich, savory liquid foundation.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Add a smoky, bright tomato flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili.

• Oregano, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Ground Coriander, Chili Powder: Create a complex and traditional chili spice profile.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle depth and richness to the flavor.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Provide basic seasoning.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and complexity to the chili.

• Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, Chopped Cilantro: Offer fresh, cool, and creamy finishing touches.

How To Cook The Best Chili Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until beautifully crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the delicious drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Base

• Chopped onion
• Bell pepper

Cook until vegetables become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Brown The Meat

Add ground beef to the pot and cook until completely browned. Carefully drain excess grease by tilting the pot and removing with a spoon.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion

• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans
• Black beans
• Fire-roasted tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Jalapeño
• Beef stock
• Oregano
• Cumin
• Cocoa powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Ground coriander
• Chili powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic

Step 5: Reintroduce Bacon Magic

Mix about three-quarters of the crispy bacon back into the chili, stirring thoroughly.

Step 6: Develop Deep Flavors

Simmer the chili over medium-low heat for at least 45 minutes. For an even more intense flavor, let it cook longer (up to several hours). Add extra beef stock or water if the chili becomes too thick.

Step 7: Serve With Stunning Toppings

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Remaining crispy bacon pieces

Helpful Details For The Best Chili Recipe

• Boost Bacon Flavor: Render bacon slowly to extract maximum smoky essence, ensuring crispy texture and rich flavor base for the chili.
• Drain Excess Grease: Tilt the pot and use a spoon to remove extra fat from ground beef, preventing a greasy final dish and maintaining a clean, robust taste.
• Bean Variety Matters: Mix different beans like kidney, pinto, and black beans to create complex texture and enhance nutritional profile with varied protein sources.
• Simmer for Depth: Allow chili to cook low and slow for at least 45 minutes, letting spices meld and develop deep, complex flavor layers that transform the dish.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Add beef stock or water gradually during long cooking to maintain desired thickness, preventing the chili from becoming too dry or watery.

New Ways To Enjoy The Best Chili Recipe

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version that maintains rich, robust flavors.
• Low-Carb Chili Alternative: Skip beans and increase meat quantity, adding extra zucchini or cauliflower for volume while keeping protein levels high.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Incorporate chipotle peppers, increase jalapeño amount, and add roasted green chiles for an intense, smoky heat profile.
• Turkey Lean Makeover: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that still delivers excellent taste and nutritional value.

What Goes Well With The Best Chili Recipe

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the chili's rich, spicy flavors and cut through its hearty meat profile.
• Create Beer Harmony: Choose a craft amber ale or dark porter that matches the chili's smoky notes and provides a complementary malty backbone to balance the dish's intense spices.
• Serve with Fresh Cornbread: Prepare a slightly sweet cornbread with jalapeño chunks to contrast the chili's deep flavors and provide a light, crispy texture that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Add Cooling Sidekick: Top with fresh, tangy sour cream and chopped green onions to introduce a cool, creamy element that tempers the chili's heat and adds a bright, fresh dimension to each spoonful.

Best Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy chili con carne delights taste buds with its robust blend of ground beef, beans, and aromatic spices. Rich flavors meld together, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 6 strips bacon (chopped)
• 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
• 2 cups beef stock

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans (drained)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pinto beans (drained)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans (drained)
• 1 red onion (chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) fire-roasted tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)

Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Remaining cooked bacon

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
2. Sauté onions and bell peppers in bacon drippings until they become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Brown ground beef in the same pot, breaking it into small crumbles. Carefully drain excess fat using a spoon.
4. Incorporate all beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, jalapeño, beef stock, and entire spice collection into the pot. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Reintroduce approximately 75% of the cooked bacon into the mixture, stirring to integrate flavors.
6. Reduce heat to low and allow chili to simmer uncovered for 45-90 minutes, stirring periodically. Add additional beef stock if the mixture becomes too thick.
7. When chili reaches desired consistency and depth of flavor, remove from heat. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with remaining crispy bacon, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture that adds rich depth to the chili.
• Bean Flexibility: Swap beans based on preference or dietary needs, ensuring similar bean sizes for consistent cooking.
• Spice Adjustment: Customize heat levels by increasing or decreasing jalapeño and chili powder quantities to suit individual taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld and intensify during refrigeration, making it perfect for meal prep.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg