A steaming bowl of chili with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and spices, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro. The chili is accompanied by crispy tortilla chips and a slice of cornbread, set in a cozy, warm setting.

How to Make the Best Chili: A Comfort Food Classic

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Meta Details:

  • Title: The Best Chili Recipe: Hearty, Spicy, and Perfect for Any Occasion!
  • Published Date: March 7, 2025
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Craving a bowl of comfort that’s packed with flavor and warmth? This ultimate chili recipe is here to satisfy your taste buds! Whether it’s game day, a cozy family dinner, or a potluck party, this hearty and spicy chili is a crowd-pleaser. Made with tender ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your spice level!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best chili:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor!
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
  7. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

  1. Toast the Spices: Toasting the spices with the beef enhances their flavor.
  2. Low and Slow: Simmering the chili for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together.
  3. Beans: Feel free to use any beans you like—pinto beans or white beans work great too!
  4. Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste. For mild chili, omit it entirely.
  5. Make It Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Creative Variations

  1. Vegetarian Chili: Replace the ground beef with extra beans or a plant-based meat substitute.
  2. White Chicken Chili: Use shredded chicken, white beans, and green chilies for a lighter twist.
  3. Spicy Chili: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sugar: 6g

Related Recipes

  1. Cornbread: The perfect side to soak up every last bit of chili!
  2. Taco Soup: A quick and easy alternative for taco night.
    3.
  3. Beef Stew: Another hearty and comforting dish for chilly days.
A steaming bowl of chili with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. The chili is topped with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Next to the bowl are a few crispy tortilla chips and a side of cornbread. The setting is cozy, with soft lighting highlighting the rich textures and vibrant colors of the dish, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for comfort food lovers.

Call-to-Action

We’d love to see your chili creations! Share your results in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @Everydayrecips. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your friends on Facebook. Happy cooking!

External Links Added:

  1. Best Beans for Chili
  2. How to Toast Spices
  3. Easy Homemade Cornbread