Best Chili Recipe
Cooking a big pot of chili warms the heart and fills the belly. This chili recipe is easy to follow and makes a hearty meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for chilly days or cozy gatherings. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, this chili recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why Make This Recipe
Let’s talk about why you should make this Best Chili Recipe. First, it is simple and does not require fancy cooking skills. Even if you are a beginner, you will find it easy to follow. The ingredients are common and can be found in most grocery stores.
Second, chili is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, having friends over for game day, or just need a cozy meal for one, this recipe fits the bill. It is filling, satisfying, and packed with protein from the beef and beans.
Another reason is the flexibility of this recipe. You can adjust the level of spice to suit your taste. Add more or less chili powder based on how spicy you want your chili to be. You can also customize toppings, which makes it fun for everyone. Options like cheese, sour cream, or avocado allow each person to make their bowl just how they like it.
Lastly, cooking chili allows for wonderful smells to fill your home. The aroma of simmering spices and cooked meat creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, it makes great leftovers, which can be reheated for a quick meal throughout the week.
How to Make Best Chili Recipe
Making this chili is straightforward. With just a few steps, you will have a delicious meal ready to go. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
- 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
Directions
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Make sure the pot is big enough to hold all your chili ingredients. The olive oil will help to cook the meat and vegetables.
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Cook the onion for about 2 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Next, add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pot. Cook the beef until it is browned, which should take about 5 minutes. If there is excess grease, drain it from the pot to keep your chili nice and healthy.
Now, stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Garlic adds a wonderful flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this step!
After the garlic is fragrant, add in the seasonings: 1-2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything together well and let the spices cook for a minute.
Pour in 1¾ cups of low sodium beef broth. This liquid will help bring all the flavors together. As you pour, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with a spoon to release any brown bits for extra flavor.
Next, add in 1 can of fire-roasted crushed or diced tomatoes. These tomatoes not only add color to the dish but also a rich taste. Stir them in well.
Now it’s time to add the beans. Add 1 can of red kidney beans and 1 can of pinto or black beans that have been rinsed and drained. Stir until everything is combined.
Increase the heat to bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This long cooking time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
When ready to serve, ladle the hot chili into bowls. You can add optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado for extra deliciousness.
How to Serve Best Chili Recipe
Serving chili is simple and fun. Start by ladling the chili into bowls. You can serve it on its own or with sides, depending on your preference.
Popular sides to enjoy with chili include cornbread, tortilla chips, or warm bread. You can also offer a variety of toppings to your guests to let them customize their bowls. Shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and green onions are great additions.
For a complete meal, pair the chili with a fresh salad. Simple greens with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chili.
If you are serving a crowd, consider a chili bar where everyone can build their own bowl. This approach allows guests to choose their favorite toppings and sides.
How to Store Best Chili Recipe
Storing leftover chili is easy. Once the chili has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the chili. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When freezing, remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
To reheat frozen chili, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir every so often to ensure it heats evenly.
Tips to Make Best Chili Recipe
Here are some useful tips to make your chili even better:
Choose Quality Beef: Use lean ground beef to make your chili healthier. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Adjust the Spice: If you like it hot, add more chili powder or include a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Taste as you go, so you can find the right level of spice for you.
Fresh Herbs: For added freshness, consider topping your chili with chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving.
Cook Low and Slow: Allowing the chili to simmer for as long as possible enhances the flavors. If you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute simmer can be delicious.
Experiment with Beans: Don’t feel limited to just kidney and pinto beans. Feel free to mix in black beans, white beans, or even chickpeas for variety.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Here are a few variations you can try:
Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the ground beef with more beans, lentils, or diced vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spicy Chili: If you love heat, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This will kick your chili up a notch!
Chili with Beer: Replace part of the beef broth with your favorite beer for a deeper, richer flavor.
Chili Mac: Stir in cooked pasta for a chili mac. It makes it even heartier and is perfect for hungry eaters.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned beans?
Yes, canned beans work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the chili. This reduces sodium levels and helps remove any canning liquid’s taste.
2. How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, try mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken it up. Alternatively, simmering uncovered for longer can help reduce the liquid.
3. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the meat and onions, transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method is great for deepening flavors.
Try this Best Chili Recipe today. You won’t regret making it; it’s delicious, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying!
Best Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in 1¾ cups of low sodium beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Add the fire-roasted crushed or diced tomatoes and stir well.
- Add in the red kidney beans and pinto or black beans, mixing until combined.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Add optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado.