This isn’t just any chili; it’s a flavor adventure in a bowl. I’m talking about the kind of chili that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a blanket and a big spoon.

I’m always looking to take classic dishes and crank them up to eleven. The Best Chili Recipe is no exception! It started as a simple craving for something hearty and comforting, and now it’s a total flavor winner.

One night, I was in the kitchen, craving something warm and satisfying, and this Best Chili Recipe was born. It was a happy accident, a delicious mix of flavors that came together in the most perfect way. The result? A chili so good, it’s become a staple in my kitchen.

This Best Chili Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Every spoonful is packed with bold, satisfying flavors that will make your taste buds sing. It’s the kind of food that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

I’ve tweaked and perfected it over the years, adding my own special touches and bold flavor boosters. Now, I’m thrilled to share it with you. Get ready to experience the Best Chili Recipe you’ve ever tasted!

Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is for you. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! I can’t wait for you to try this Best Chili Recipe. I’m so excited for you to experience the delicious magic!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Best Chili Recipe ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab all of these during your normal shopping trip.

1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps get everything started!
1 large onion, chopped: For that essential flavor base.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
1 green bell pepper, chopped: Adds a little sweetness and crunch.
1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds some color!
1 pound ground beef: You can grab this during your normal shopping trip. Or, you could use ground turkey!
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The base of our amazing sauce.
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds richness and depth.
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Classic chili addition!
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds a different texture and flavor.
1 (15 ounce) can chili beans, undrained: For that extra chili kick!
1 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and flavor. No worries if you don’t have any – I use water all the time in my Best Chili Recipe!
2 tablespoons chili powder: This Best Chili Recipe gets its amazing taste from this!
1 tablespoon cumin: For that warm, earthy flavor.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a little heat, adjust to your liking.
1 teaspoon oregano: Adds an herby flavor!
Salt and pepper to taste: Season to perfection.
Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, jalapenos.

Here’s my secret to the Best Chili Recipe that takes it from good to incredible… a pinch of cinnamon! You won’t taste it directly, but it adds a warmth and depth that will have everyone wondering what your secret ingredient is.

I love adding extra cayenne pepper to my Best Chili Recipe for that extra kick! If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to omit it or reduce the amount.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This easy chili recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Let’s Make Some!

This is my favorite part of making Best Chili Recipe – watch the magic happen! These step-by-step instructions are written like you’re cooking with me right in my kitchen. If you enjoy the flavor of this, you’ll enjoy this Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes until slightly tender. This is where the magic starts happening! Your Best Chili Recipe should smell absolutely incredible right now.
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. In my kitchen, this Best Chili Recipe usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Don’t worry if your Best Chili Recipe looks a little messy at this point – it’s all part of the process.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, chili beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. This is where the magic really begins!
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. While your Best Chili Recipe is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! In my experience, the low and slow method is key to getting the flavors just right.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more chili powder for a deeper chili flavor, more cayenne pepper for heat, or salt and pepper to taste. I usually end up adding a little extra of everything!
Serve hot and top with your favorite toppings. Some of my favorites are shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, and jalapenos.

Nyla’s Note: Feel free to adjust the amount of each ingredient to your liking. Want a spicier chili? Add more cayenne pepper. Prefer a milder chili? Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper altogether. This recipe is all about making it your own!

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Best Chili Recipe hits the table with all the fixings!

I love to serve this Best Chili Recipe with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. It’s also amazing over rice or baked potatoes.

For bold flavor pairings, try topping it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add a cool and tangy contrast to the rich and spicy chili.

This Best Chili Recipe is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also a great option for game nights, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your friends and family.

For presentation, I like to serve the chili in individual bowls and let everyone customize their toppings. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy this delicious dish.

Got leftovers? No problem! This Best Chili Recipe is even better the next day. You can also use it to make chili cheese fries, chili dogs, or chili mac and cheese. I am telling you, the possibilities are endless!

For a fusion variation, try adding a dollop of guacamole and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a Southwestern twist. Or, stir in some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and vibrant flavor.

I made a big batch of this Best Chili Recipe for a recent game night, and it was a huge hit. Everyone raved about the bold flavors and the perfect balance of spice. It disappeared in minutes!

FAQs:

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Best Chili Recipe? Absolutely! This recipe is super easy to follow and requires no special cooking skills. Even if you’ve never made chili before, you can totally nail this.

What if I mess up my Best Chili Recipe? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Don’t worry if you make a mistake or two. Chili is a very forgiving dish, and it’s hard to mess it up completely. Even if you overcook it or add too much spice, it will still be delicious.

How can I prep this Best Chili Recipe for busy weeknights? You can chop the vegetables and brown the ground beef ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook the chili. This will save you time on busy weeknights.

Can I make this Best Chili Recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I love this easy chili recipe because it can be so flexible!

What if I don’t have all the ingredients? Feel free to substitute or omit ingredients based on what you have on hand. Don’t have kidney beans? Use pinto beans instead. Don’t like green bell peppers? Leave them out. The Best Chili Recipe is all about making it your own.

Can I make this Best Chili Recipe vegetarian or vegan? Of course! Simply omit the ground beef and add more beans or vegetables. You can also use a plant-based ground beef substitute. For a vegan version, make sure to use vegetable broth and omit any dairy toppings. For actually, the Best Vegetarian Chili Recipe Ever | Ambitious Kitchen, check out their version to see some inspiration! Or, if you need more tips, you can check out this article, I Tried 4 Famous Vegetarian Chili Recipes and the Winner Was….

How long does this Best Chili Recipe last in the refrigerator? This chili will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

CONCLUSION:

This Best Chili Recipe brings me so much joy because it’s a reminder of simple pleasures and cozy nights. There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili on a cold day.

I also find a simple Homemade Vegetarian Chili – Cookie and Kate recipes that I enjoy.

My Best Chili Recipe Flavor Secrets:

A pinch of cinnamon: It adds a warmth and depth that you can’t quite put your finger on.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor that elevates the chili to a whole new level.
A little bit of sweetness: I like to add a tablespoon of brown sugar or molasses to balance out the spiciness.

Here are some delicious recipe variations for the Best Chili Recipe I’ve tested:

Spicy Chili: Add more cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapenos for extra heat.
White Bean Chili: Substitute the kidney beans and black beans with white beans for a milder flavor.
Chicken Chili: Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.

I usually make the spicy chili for game nights or when I’m craving something with a kick. The white bean chili is perfect for a milder, more comforting meal. And the chicken chili is a great option for a lighter, healthier dinner.

Don’t be afraid to trust your taste buds and get creative with this Best Chili Recipe. Add your own special touches and make it your own. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create your own chili masterpieces!

I hope you enjoy this Best Chili Recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking, and let me know how it turns out! Make sure to pair it with perhaps these Lemon Raspberry Cookies, or if you’re looking for a fun fusion recipe, these Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps.

Best Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

This is the best chili recipe you’ll ever make! Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for a chilly evening or game day.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can chili beans, undrained
1 (1 ounce) packet chili seasoning
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, chili beans, chili seasoning, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Notes

For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the pot. You can also substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.