Best Ever Chili Recipe (2024)

This is the best chili recipe, if I do say so myself! This classic beef chili is the perfect blend of meaty richness simmered with hearty vegetables and warming spices. It’s a delicious, and comforting one-pot meal that will have the whole family begging for seconds.

If it’s cold outside and you’re looking for an answer to that pesky what’s-for-dinner question, I’ve got you covered. The answer is chili! This one-pot wonder is a cinch to make, and it fills your house with enticing aromas as it simmers.

Chili is the perfect chunky mix of ground beef, bacon, vegetables, and beans with a touch of heat. But don’t forget to add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions – it really amps it up!

Chili recipes, whether it’s this classic beef chili, a white chicken chili, vegetarian chili, or turkey chili, are also budget friendly since they rely heavily on pantry staples. That makes them a perennial one-pot dinner winner!

Chili Ingredients

A few pantry items, some vegetables, ground beef, and a few strips of bacon are all you need to pull together this amazing chili recipe.

• Ground beef: You can buy ground beef anywhere between 80% and 90% lean. I prefer 90% just so I don’t have to drain any excess fat. But you could purchase 80% and then drain off any residual fat, it’s up to you.
• Bacon: Bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the chili. I’d consider it the secret (or not so secret) ingredient!
• Beef broth: I recommend purchasing a high-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
• Dried spices: Besides the usual suspects of chili powder and cumin, I add smoked paprika for a touch of campfire flavor.
• Tomatoes: Almost any variety of canned tomatoes in their juices will work here. But I love canned fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor!
• Beans: I’m using a combination of black beans and red kidney beans which are classics in chili, but you can use any beans you like.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below

How to Make The Best Chili

This recipe is all about slowly adding in layers of flavors. Here’s what you do:

1. Cook the bacon. I let my bacon cook until it’s perfectly browned and crispy.
2. Saute the vegetables. Saute the diced onion and bell pepper with the bacon for a few minutes.
3. Brown the ground beef. Add the ground beef to the pot, cook until browned, then drain off the excess fat.
4. Toast the spices. Stir the spices and seasonings with the vegetables and meat to bring out their full flavor.
5. Add the tomatoes, broth, and beans. This forms the bulk of the chili. Then give everything a good stir.
6. Simmer the chili. Cook this low and slow for about 30 minutes for maximum deliciousness!

What Do You Put On Top of Chili?

Almost anything tastes great on top of this classic chili. Here are a few of my favorite ideas.

• Cheese. Anything from shredded cheddar to cotija to feta works well.
• Onions: Sliced green onions or diced red onions go perfectly with chili. If the bite of red onion is a little strong for you, run the diced onion under running water and pat dry.
• Jalapeños: If you like spice, diced fresh or pickled jalapeños are delicious here.
• Sour cream. The creamy coolness plays nice with the warm spices.
• Cilantro or parsley: Just a sprinkle of chopped herbs gives a nice pop of freshness and flavor.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Chili freezes incredibly well, which makes it great for meal prepping.

• To Store: Place cooled chili in an airtight container and store for 4 to 5 days in the fridge.
• To Freeze: Use a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and store it for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• To Reheat:Thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge. Then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, until warmed through. If the chili thickens too much for your taste, add a splash of water or beef broth.

More Warming Winter Recipes

Want a few more delicious dinner ideas? These one-pot or one-pan recipes sure come in hand during the busy weekdays.And let’s not forget, chili in particular is great for parties, gatherings, and of course Super Bowl!

• Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Tuscan Chicken
• Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
• Beef Tenderloin Roast
• Taco Soup

This big pot of chili will surely satisfy all your comfort food cravings. If you make this, I’d love to hear what you think in a comment below. You review will help the community!

Recipe originally published September 2020, but updated to include new information.