Making chili is like wrapping your loved ones in a warm blanket. The aroma fills the house with comfort, and every bite brings a smile to your face. Whether it’s a chilly day or simply a time to gather with family and friends, this dish delivers cozy goodness and a touch of joy.

Imagine walking into your kitchen, the scent of sautéed onions and garlic filling the air. You open a can of fire-roasted tomatoes, and that robust, smoky smell hits you. Suddenly, your mouth is watering, and you can’t wait to dig in. This is what The Best Chili Recipe does; it draws you in with tantalizing aromas and hearty flavors that warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love Making This The Best Chili Recipe

This chili recipe is simple yet deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for cooking with friends or for a cozy night in. The combination of spices dances on your taste buds, giving you a rich, flavorful experience in every spoonful.

It’s versatile! Whether you’re a meat lover or prefer a vegetarian option, this recipe can adapt to fit your needs. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and even tastes better the next day. When you make this chili, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating a warm gathering space filled with love and laughter.

You’ll feel confident in the kitchen as you layer flavors and textures. Each step is straightforward, helping you build a dish that’s both delicious and impressive. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step: How to Make The Best Chili Recipe

Making chili doesn’t need to be complicated. Let’s break it down into easy steps, so you can cook with confidence. Each part of the process comes together to create that perfect bowl of chili.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tbsp chili powder (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1¾ cups low sodium beef broth (or one 14.5 oz can)
• 1 28 oz can fire-roasted crushed or diced tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can red kidney beans, rinsed & drained
• 1 15 oz can pinto or black beans, rinsed & drained

Optional toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Avocado slices
• Chopped red or green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Tortilla chips or cornbread

Directions: Cooking with Confidence

1. Heat the Olive Oil

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. This first step awakens the flavors, creating a warm base for what’s to come.

2. Add the Onion

Add the chopped onion and let it sauté for about two minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. The gentle sweetness that fills your kitchen is the beginning of comfort.

3. Brown the Beef

Next, crumble in the lean ground beef and cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until browned. Once done, drain any excess grease—this keeps your chili rich but balanced.

4. Stir in the Garlic

Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. This quick step infuses the pot with a wonderful aroma that hints at the delicious depth ahead.

5. Spice it Up

Now comes the magic stir in chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. As you mix, notice how the colors deepen and the scent becomes irresistible.

6. Pour in the Broth

Carefully pour in the beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those tiny pieces are flavor gold, adding a beautiful depth to your chili.

7. Add Tomatoes and Beans

Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes and your beans—whether kidney, black, or pinto. Watch as your chili transforms into a hearty, colorful masterpiece.

8. Simmer to Perfection

Bring your mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1–2 hours. Stir occasionally. Cover the pot at first, then uncover for the last 30 minutes to let it thicken naturally.

9. Serve with Love

Finally, serve your chili hot, topped with your favorite garnishes perhaps cheddar cheese, sour cream, or fresh avocado slices. Each spoonful is a warm reminder that simple ingredients can create pure joy.

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe and Make It Shine

Serving chili is about presentation and flavor. Use a deep bowl to allow for generous scoops. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top adds a colorful touch, while a dollop of sour cream offers a creamy contrast.

Avocado slices make the dish refreshing, balancing the spice. Chopped red or green onions add a crispy texture and bright flavor, making every bite exciting.

For a hearty meal, serve your chili with cornbread or crispy tortilla chips on the side. They’re perfect for dipping! Your goal is to create a delightful experience, so take a moment to arrange your toppings beautifully.

How to Store The Best Chili Recipe for Later

Chili is perfect for meal prep! It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before sealing it up to maintain its flavors.

If you want to store it longer, consider freezing your chili. It can last in the freezer for up to three months! Just make sure to label it with the date. It’s a fantastic way to keep your delicious creation at hand for a busy night.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

Clara’s Tips for Success

Here are some of my favorite tips to make sure your chili turns out just right:

1. Experiment with Spice

If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to increase the chili powder or add a touch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, start with less and build up gradually. Chili should feel just right for your taste buds.

2. Use Quality Ingredients

Choose fresh vegetables and good-quality meat they truly elevate the dish. Opt for low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes or beans without additives for a cleaner, more natural flavor.

3. Taste as You Go

Keep a tasting spoon nearby and sample your chili throughout the cooking process. Adjust the salt, pepper, and spices to your liking; cooking is a personal journey of discovery.

4. Don’t Rush the Simmer

Patience brings depth. Allow your chili to simmer slowly, giving the flavors time to develop and intertwine. If you can, let it simmer for the full two hours—it’s worth every minute.

5. Make It Ahead of Time

Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Prepare it in advance and reheat gently before serving for an even richer, heartwarming experience.

Simple Variations to Try

While this chili recipe is fantastic on its own, here are some variations to keep things interesting:

1. Vegetarian Chili

Replace the ground beef with diced mushrooms or lentils for a hearty vegetarian twist. Add colorful veggies like bell peppers and zucchini to bring texture, nutrition, and vibrant life to your bowl.

2. Spicy Chili

If you crave a little heat, stir in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can even experiment with different chili peppersea ch one offers its own depth and warmth.

3. Sweet Chili

For those who enjoy a balance of flavors, add corn or diced sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness beautifully softens the spice, creating harmony in every spoonful.

4. Chili Mac

Turn your classic chili into a comforting chili mac by stirring in cooked macaroni after simmering. Sprinkle with cheese and bake until bubbly a dish that feels like a warm hug.

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The Best Chili

A hearty and comforting chili recipe, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. This dish can be made with ground beef or adapted for a vegetarian option, delivering rich flavors and warmth in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Main ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped Adds sweetness
• 1 lb lean ground beef Can be replaced with vegetarian options
• 4 cloves garlic, minced For flavor
• 1-2 tbsp chili powder Adjust for spice level
• 1 tbsp ground cumin Adds depth of flavor
• 1 tbsp brown sugar Balances the spices
• 1 tsp dried oregano For herbal notes
• ½ tsp salt To taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper To taste
• 3 tbsp tomato paste Thickens the chili
• 1¾ cups low sodium beef broth Can substitute a 14.5 oz can
• 1 28 oz can fire-roasted crushed or diced tomatoes Adds smokiness
• 1 15 oz can red kidney beans, rinsed & drained
• 1 15 oz can pinto or black beans, rinsed & drained

Optional toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese For serving
• Sour cream For serving
• Avocado slices For freshness
• Chopped red or green onions For garnish
• Fresh cilantro For garnish
• Tortilla chips or cornbread Great for dipping

Method

 

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add the lean ground beef, crumbling it as it cooks for about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
6. Pour in the beef broth and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pot.
7. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and the beans. Stir to combine.
8. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 12gSugar: 7g

Notes

Chili stores well. Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on medium heat, adding broth or water if too thick.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

FAQs About The Best Chili Recipe

1. Can I make this chili recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies on the stove first, then transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, flavorful chili.

2. Can I freeze chili with beans?

Absolutely! Freezing chili with beans is perfectly fine. Just make sure to cool it before transferring to airtight containers for freezing.

3. How do I thicken my chili?

If you find your chili is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to help thicken it. You can also add a little masa harina or cornmeal to absorb excess liquid.

4. Is this chili spicy?

The spiciness can be adjusted easily. Start with less chili powder and taste as you go, adding more as needed to suit your preference.

Conclusion

Now that you have The Best Chili Recipe, you’re ready to create warm memories in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and clear steps, this dish is approachable and satisfying. Every time you whip up this chili, you’ll be reminded of the warmth and comfort it brings to gatherings, or even a quiet night at home.

So, gather your ingredients, take a deep breath, and embrace the process. Cooking is all about love and sharing, and your chili is just the beginning. Enjoy every spoonful and the smiles it brings!