Best Ever Chili Recipe (2024)

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Thick, rich, and flavorful, this classic chili recipe is a MUST make! Filled with lean ground beef, a mix of beans, ripe tomatoes, fresh seasonings and it’s topped with all your favorites!

Ready to serve your chili in style?! Try this homemade cornbread or add a little spice with thisjalapeño cornbreadfor a side dish that compliments this chili recipe perfectly.

Best Ever Chili Recipe (1)

Chili Recipe

Classic traditional chili is one of my very favorite recipes to make. This by far can feed a crowd and made within 30 minutes. It is a dump and go kind of chili and uses only one pot to make. It is so simple and has SO much flavor.

You can’t go wrong with this chili recipe. It is simple to make and only uses one pot. This delicious thick and hearty chili is full of flavor and a family favorite. My family loves to make this recipe year round. It is perfect in the winter to warm up but also a summer time favorite during BBQ season. It is so versatile and has all your pantry staple ingredients that makes this even easier to make. Get ready to WOW your family with this AMAZING chili recipe!

Ingredients to Make Chili:

This is an ultimate chili recipe with loads of flavor and an easy to make recipe. In 30 minutes this chili will be ready to feed a crowd!

  • Olive Oil: This is used to sauté the onion, bell pepper, cloves creating a flavor.
  • Onion: Dice up the onion the best you can without too many tears.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Cut into small chunks depending on your preference.
  • Garlic Cloves: I prefer fresh cloves but you are welcome to use the jarred minced garlic for substitute.
  • Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives flavor but also less fat and grease.
  • Beef Broth:Adds in flavor and liquid while cooking.
  • Tomato: Sauce and diced tomatoes come in a can for a quick dump in the pot.
  • Beans: Pinto and kidney bean give a good mixture of tender and soft beans.
  • Seasonings: Chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, saltand cayenne mixes together giving the chili a sweet, spicy and savory flavoring.

How to Make Good Homemade Chili:

Dump and go recipe that uses only one pot! It is perfect for a quick meal during a busy week or let simmer on a weekend when feeding a crowd. Bring this chili to any potluck or gathering and watch it disappear in no time.

  1. Sauté and Cook Beef: In a large pot add the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and sauté until almost tender. Brown the ground beef and cook and crumble until brown.
  2. Add in Remaining Ingredients:Add in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne.
  3. Boil:Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer until it starts to thicken and flavors combine about 30 minutes.
Best Ever Chili Recipe (2)

Variations

So many fun ways to make this chili thicker, spicier or even adding in cocoa powder! That is a delicious treat in your chili. Change up some of the ingredients and you may end up with awhite chicken chiliwhich is also another popular chili our family loves. Try these variations to see what you come up with!

  • Vegetables:Potatoes, carrots, celery, mushrooms or zucchini are all great add ins for sautéing at the beginning.
  • Meat: Substitute the beef for turkey, steak, Italian sausage or chicken.
  • Seasonings:Try using taco seasoning for a tex-tex taste.
  • Smokey Taste:Adobe sauce oor paprika or a liquid smoke for a smoky taste.
  • Beef Broth: Don’t have beef broth? Chicken or even water will help keep it thick and will simmer well with either liquid.
  • Sugar:Sounds crazy, right! Sugar adds a bit of sweetness. Cocoa powder will also add subtle hint of sweetness with a savory taste of chocolate. It is a must try! Just a teaspoon will do the trick!
Best Ever Chili Recipe (3)

Toppings

Go wild and add all the toppings you love to make this chili even better! From a sweet avocado, creamy sour cream, or a crunchy chip is just what this chili needs. All the favorites blend together so well with this chili recipe.

Here are some of our families staple toppings to try:

  • Sour Cream: Add a dollop over top.
  • Onions: Chopped up and sprinkled on top.
  • Shredded Cheese: This will melt over top the chili
  • Jalapeños:Spicy deliciousness
  • Cilantro: Looks good and adds a great flavoring
  • Avocado:Sliced and add in
  • Tortilla Strips: A crunchy bite
  • Frito Chips: Pile them on!
  • Lime Wedges: Squeeze over top
Best Ever Chili Recipe (4)

Storing Chili Properly

Refrigerate:It is best to keep the chili in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator once cooled after cooking. Store in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days long. Warming it up in a saucepan or microwave.
Can you freeze chili? Yes! It is another perk about this recipe. Once it is cooled completely add it to a large ziplock bag letting out of all the air. Laying flat, place the chili in the freezer for 1 month long.
Warming up:When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat in a saucepan or microwave until warmed through.

More Popular Soup Recipes

If you loved this chili then you MUST try out some more of my tried and true favorite soup recipes. They are all so good that the hardest part will be deciding which on is your favorite!

Dinner

8 Can Chicken Taco Soup

30 mins

Soup

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

6 hrs 20 mins

Soup

Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup

25 mins

Soup

Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

45 mins

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Best Ever Chili Recipe

4.87 from 68 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

Thick, rich and flavorful! Filled with lean ground beef, mix of beans, ripe tomatoes, fresh seasonings and topped with all your favorites! This classic chili recipe is a MUST make!

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 People

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large pot add the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and sauté until almost tender. Add in the ground beef and cook and crumble until brown.

  • Add in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne.

  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer until it starts to thicken and flavors combine about 30 minutes.

Video

Notes

Originally posted on April 26, 2020

Updated on May 6, 2022

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 26gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 534mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 981IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Alyssa Rivers and the food blogger behind The Recipe Critic. The blog launched in 2012 as a place to share my passion for cooking. I love trying new things and testing them out with my family. Each recipe is tried and true, family-tested and approved.

Read More About Me

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Best Ever Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

Acids enhance the salty, umami-rich flavors already present in chili, and round out the sweetness, adding intricacy to the dish. Apple cider vinegar is versatile with a light, fruity flavor, but red wine and balsamic vinegar are both good choices for heavier chilis that need something bolder.

What is my chili missing? ›

Sometimes after a long simmer, your chili will taste wonderful be maybe missing one little thing you can't figure out. Try a tad bit of vinegar or a squeeze of lime! The acidity in vinegar & limes bring a good roundness to the pot and binds all the flavors together.

Why do you put butter in chili? ›

Butter smooths out the bitterness and adds its unique richness, making you take another bite without quite knowing why. A dash of sugar and vinegar gives a sweet-sour flavor that also makes the sauce rounder and more satisfying.

Does Wendy's put sugar in their chili? ›

Chili Concentrate: Chili Sauce (Water, Tomato Juice, Tomatoes, Calcium Chloride, Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Corn Starch, Dried Chilies, Spices, Flavor Enhancer [Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Modified Corn Starch], Citric Acid, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Xanthan gum), Beans (Pink Beans, Red ...

What is chili magic? ›

Where there's chipotle smoke, there's chili fire. Bush's® Chili Magic® Campfire Style brings tender pintos together with smoky chipotle and green bell peppers for quick, unforgettable chili any night of the week.​

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What can I add to chili to make it unique? ›

5 Secret Ingredients That'll Take Your Chili to the Next Level
  1. Cocoa Powder. Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you're making a batch of chili but it pairs perfectly with peppers. ...
  2. Beer. Why use water or stock as your liquid when you could add beer? ...
  3. Coffee. ...
  4. Cinnamon.
Sep 12, 2021

What chili has the best flavor? ›

In talking with many pepper enthusiasts, we've found the Habanero to be universally considered to be one of the best tasting peppers.

Why do people put sour cream in chili? ›

The slightly tart flavor will add brightness and complexity to your tried-and-true chili recipe, while the thick texture creates heartiness and a creamy mouthfeel.

Why do you put lime juice in chili? ›

Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Adds a rich tomato flavor and contributes to the chili's thick texture. Molasses: Offers a touch of sweetness to balance the heat and spices. Lime Juice: Adds a hint of acidity and brightness to the chili's flavor profile.

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Why do you put baking soda in chili? ›

In this chili recipe, baking soda (that same thing the fluffs up cakes and cookies) tenderizes the ground beef while making it brown better. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is alkaline.

What does coffee do for chili? ›

Though it may be an unusual choice, coffee adds an earthy richness to the existing flavors and plays well with spices like cumin and cayenne pepper. Plus, it's a flexible ingredient – while we typically reach for instant espresso powder, you can also add in brewed coffee, making this dish the perfect use for leftovers.

What gives chili its kick? ›

Canned tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, ground black pepper and cayenne all add varying amounts of heat to the chili. If you want to really turn things up, use hot chili powder and the full amount of cayenne pepper. Also, make sure your spices are fresh.

How do you add flavor to bland chili? ›

  1. a few bay leaves.
  2. chili flakes.
  3. Black Pepper.
  4. a small amount of paprika and cayenne.
  5. chipotle peppers and maybe a teaspoon of adobo sauce. I deseed the peppers and chop until they basically become a paste. ...
  6. I use San Marzano tomatoes and find they are very flavorful,
  7. add some tomato paste (maybe a tablespoon or two)
Mar 10, 2015

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