The Best Chili Recipe is a must-try for any chili lover! This dish is perfect for cozy gatherings, game days, or a hearty family meal. It features a delightful blend of ground beef, turkey bacon, and three types of beans, all simmered with a medley of spices that create an unforgettable flavor. Whether served on its own or with toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese, this chili is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of ground beef and turkey bacon adds depth and richness, while the variety of beans provides texture.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this chili can be made by cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even nachos.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals later.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice by adding more jalapeños or using milder beans according to your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this fantastic recipe, gather your tools to make cooking smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for simmering all ingredients together, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe space to chop vegetables and meats without cluttering your workspace.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface, making it easy to combine all ingredients evenly.
Ingredients
For the Chili Base
- 6 Strips Turkey Bacon (good quality, chopped)
- 1 Red Onion (chopped)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (seeded and chopped)
- 1 ½ Pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Can Kidney Beans (15 oz, drained)
- 1 Can Pinto Beans (15 oz, drained)
- 1 Can Black Beans (15 oz, drained)
- 1 Can Tomatoes (15 oz, Fire Roasted with juice)
- 1 Can Tomato Paste (6 oz.)
- 1 Jalapeño (seeded and minced – optional)
- 2 Cups Beef Stock
For Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Oregano (dried)
- 2 teaspoons Cumin
- 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder
- 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic (minced)
For Garnish
- Sour Cream
- Cilantro
- Cheese (shredded)
How to Make Best Chili Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until it’s crisp. Stir often to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Remove the cooked turkey bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. In the same pot, add the chopped red onion and red bell pepper. Cook until they become tender.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until it’s browned throughout. Drain any excess grease by tilting the pot slightly while using a large spoon to remove it.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in all remaining ingredients along with three-fourths of the cooked turkey bacon. Mix well to combine everything evenly.
Step 5: Simmer
Allow the chili to cook for at least 45 minutes. For best results, let it simmer longer if you have time; this enhances all flavors significantly.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and any remaining turkey bacon for an extra crunchy touch. Enjoy your delicious homemade chili!
How to Serve Best Chili Recipe
Serving the Best Chili Recipe is all about complementing its rich flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your chili experience.
Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of creamy sour cream adds a cool contrast to the spicy chili.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for added richness and flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro gives a fresh taste and brightens up the dish.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: This sweet, buttery bread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up the delicious juices.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips make for a great scoopable side, adding texture to every bite.
- Rice: Serving chili over rice makes it heartier and balances the spices beautifully.
Additional Options
- Jalapeños: For those who love heat, sliced jalapeños can be added on top or served on the side.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado provides a rich flavor that complements the chili’s spices perfectly.
How to Perfect Best Chili Recipe
To achieve the most flavorful version of your Best Chili Recipe, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold seasoning: Be generous with spices; they bring depth and enhance overall flavor.
- Simmer longer: Letting the chili simmer for hours allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Quality ingredients: Use fresh veggies and high-quality meats for a richer taste.
- Experiment with beans: Don’t hesitate to mix different types of beans for variety in texture and flavor.
- Adjust heat level: Control spiciness by modifying jalapeño usage or adding hot sauce based on your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Best Chili Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Best Chili Recipe can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Cornbread: This classic pairing offers a sweet balance to spicy chili, making it a favorite for many.
- Garlic Bread: Its crusty exterior and soft inside provide a delicious complement to the warm bowl of chili.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds freshness, cutting through the richness of the dish.
- Baked Potatoes: A fluffy baked potato works wonderfully as a base for serving chili on top.
- Rice Pilaf: A light rice pilaf brings subtle flavors that pair nicely with hearty chili.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The gooey goodness of grilled cheese is perfect for dipping into your chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chili can seem simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome of your Best Chili Recipe. Avoid these mistakes to ensure a delicious dish.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the ground beef properly can lead to a less flavorful chili. Always take the time to brown your meat well for richer taste.
- Overlooking Seasoning Balance: Using too much or too little spice can ruin your chili. Taste as you go and adjust the spices gradually for the best flavor.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using poor quality beans or meat can negatively impact your chili’s overall taste. Invest in good-quality ingredients for a better result.
- Rushing the Cooking Time: Not allowing your chili to simmer long enough can result in bland flavors. Aim for at least 45 minutes of cooking, or longer if possible.
- Ignoring Personal Preferences: Not customizing your recipe can lead to a dish that may not suit everyone’s taste buds. Feel free to adjust ingredients like beans or spices according to your liking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover chili in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing Best Chili Recipe
- Portion out your chili into freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label each container with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Best Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this the Best Chili Recipe?
This recipe combines ground beef, turkey bacon, and three types of beans with a perfect blend of spices that create deep and rich flavors, making it stand out among other chili recipes.
Can I customize the Best Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like corn or zucchini, swap out different beans, or adjust spice levels based on your preference.
How do I thicken my Best Chili Recipe?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during cooking.
How should I serve the Best Chili Recipe?
Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro on top for added flavor and texture.
Is this Best Chili Recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep since it stores well and tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight!
Final Thoughts
The Best Chili Recipe is not just comforting; it’s also incredibly versatile. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, you can easily customize it to fit any palate. Whether you enjoy it as is or tweak it with personal touches, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
The Best Chili Recipe
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of the Best Chili Recipe, perfect for cozy family dinners or lively game-day gatherings. This chili combines tender ground beef and crispy turkey bacon with a delightful trio of beans—kidney, pinto, and black—simmered in a flavorful medley of spices. Whether served as a standalone dish or topped with creamy sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit any spice preference, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves about 6
Ingredients
- 6 strips turkey bacon (chopped)
- 1 red onion (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz, drained)
- 1 can pinto beans (15 oz, drained)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz, drained)
- 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes (15 oz)
- 2 cups beef stock
- Spices: cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook turkey bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers in the bacon drippings until tender.
- Add ground beef; brown thoroughly and drain excess grease.
- Stir in the chopped turkey bacon along with beans, tomatoes, beef stock, and spices.
- Simmer for at least 45 minutes for the best flavor.
- Serve hot with desired toppings like sour cream and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For extra thickness, allow chili to simmer uncovered. Customize by adding vegetables like corn or zucchini. Adjust spice levels by varying jalapeño usage.
