Best Chili Recipe

The best chili recipe I have ever made! It’s packed with ground beef, bacon and 3 kinds of beans with just the right combination of spices for the perfect flavor! Top it off with a little sour cream and shredded cheese, Yum!

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You all have been loving our award winning Instant Pot chili for quite some time now, but this one is better. I can’t believe I’m saying that because the Instant Pot version is the bomb, but this is THE BEST!

Now, I’ve actually never been a chili fan. Spicy is not my thing and growing up I didn’t like ground beef and wasn’t a huge bean fan so chili was definitely not my favorite. But then I became intrigued, and all from one story…

My sister once called me later at night and I was juuust about to go to sleep. I knew she’d just been on a date so I answered to hear the details. No. No this was not a, “best date ever” call, but a “you will not believe the awkwardness” call.

He had called last minute and asked if she could pick him up. “Oh sure” she replied, totally not worrying about it as they were nearing the end of college and maybe his car was out of luck. So she picks him up and he tells her he actually doesn’t have a car, or a job, nor is he actually in school. Instead he’s pursuing breakdancing.

Best Thing I’ve Ever Eaten

Which is fine, there’s probably some good ones out there, but as he later showed her, he wasn’t one of them. But I’m distracted. So this kind boy tells her, I’m taking you out for the very best thing I’ve ever eaten. “You’re going to love it,” he says. Right at the light, then head straight down main. Take a left at this light and straight again until it’s on the left hand side. Wendy’s.

Well again, she’s so kind and gives him a chance. They get inside and he orders two baked potatoes with chili. Whhhhhaaaaaa?

This is the BEST thing you’ve ever eaten?

That date didn’t end up going anywhere, haha, but it sure sparked something in me! I vowed to discover the best chili ever and while it started as a funny joke I ended up falling in love with chili! Jokes on me!

What Ingredients Do I Need to Make the Best Chili?

So I thought I had found the best chili ever in our Instant Pot chili recipe, but then I made this stove top version, and this is the absolute best. If you are familiar with our IP version, the ingredients are similar with just a couple of additions for this recipe. This is what you will need:

Meats: Ground Beef (90% lean ground beef or 85% works too) and Bacon
Beans: Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans and Black Beans
Veggies: Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Red Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Jalapeno and Garlic
Liquids: Beef Broth and Worcestershire Sauce
Spices: Oregano, Ground Cumin, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Coriander, Chili Powder
Cocoa Powder

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card down below.

For Garnish

Sour Cream
Cilantro
Cheddar Cheese (or any type of cheese your family loves)

These are our favorite toppings, but you could honestly do anything your family enjoys. Other options might include: tortilla chips, Fritos, green onions, black olives, avocado, corn, tomatoes, etc.

How to Make the Best Chili Recipe

Making this homemade chili is so simple and the depth of flavor is fabulous. I’m so obsessed! Here are the basic steps:

Cook the bacon until crisp in a large pot, then remove to a plate lined with a paper towel.
Add the onions and pepper and cook until tender.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Drain any grease.
Add the remaining ingredients and 3/4 of the bacon stirring everything to combine.
Let it simmer over medium low heat.
Serve with your favorite chili garnishes, including the extra bacon, and side of skillet cornbread!

All the details can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

What Ingredients Deepen the Flavor of Chili?

We carefully considered each ingredient when making this chili recipe, but we found as we tested that certain ingredients really deepened the flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, and tomato paste all add to the depth of flavor, especially the longer it simmers. It’s actually even better the second day!

Does Chili Have To Have Beans?

Some chilis, such as Texas chili, actually forbid the use of beans.

Other chili recipes call for beans. I love the heartiness that beans add!

What is the Difference Between and Yellow Onion and a Red Onion?

A red onion has a slightly more mild flavor than a yellow onion when served raw and can help to mellow out a tomato based dish instead of the more bold yellow or white onion.

Variations

Protein: change up the protein and using ground chicken or turkey (though if you want to go a little lighter, you should try our Instant Pot Turkey Chili) or use swap 1/2 pound of sausage for some of the ground beef

Spiciness: add heat with a dash of cayenne powder or red pepper flakes

How Long Will Chili Keep?

Chili will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Can Chili Be Frozen?

Chili freezes extremely well. Cool chili completely.

Place in container with a tight fitting lid, or in freezer bags and freeze for 4-6 months.

Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm up on the stove top or in the microwave (for individual servings).

So no one ever needs to take a date to Wendy’s for the “best thing you’ve ever eaten” because you can just make the best chili recipe right at home and it’s so simple and tastes incredible! Now excuse me while I go work on my breakdancing moves and work off that second bowl of chili I just ate! Lol!

Here are some more CHILI RECIPES that you’ll love:

Award Winning Instant Pot Chili
Instant Pot Turkey Chili
Brisket Chili
Ground Beef Enchilada Chili
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin Apple Cider Chili
White Chicken Chili
Surprise Chili
White Bean Turkey Chili
Dr Pepper and Chocolate Chili
Healthy One Pot Chili Mac
All our Chili, Soup, and Stew Recipes here!

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4.17 from 131 votes

Servings: 10 people

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 45 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr

Description

The best chili recipe I have ever made! It's packed with ground beef, bacon and 3 kinds of beans with just the right combination of spices for the perfect flavor! Top it off with a little sour cream and shredded cheese, Yum!

Ingredients

6 Strips Bacon, good quality, chopped
1 Red Onion, chopped
1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 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 Jalapeno, seeded and minced *optional
2 Cups Beef Stock
1 Tablespoon Oregano, dried
2 teaspoons Cumin
1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder
2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper, ground
1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Ground Coriander
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tablespoon Garlic, minced

For Garnish

Sour Cream
Cilantro
Cheese, shredded

Instructions

In a large pot, cook the bacon until crisp, stirring often to cook evenly.
6 Strips Bacon
Remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate.
Add the onions and peppers and cook until tender.
1 Red Onion, 1 Red Bell Pepper
Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
1 1/2 Pounds Ground Beef
Drain off any excess grease, we just tilt the pot and use a large spoon.
Add all of the remaining ingredients and 3/4 of the bacon and stir to combine.
1 Can Kidney Beans, 1 Can Pinto Beans, 1 Can Black Beans, 1 Can Tomatoes, 1 Can Tomato Paste, 1 Jalapeno, 2 Cups Beef Stock, 1 Tablespoon Oregano, 2 teaspoons Cumin, 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder, 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt, 1 teaspoon Black Pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika, 1/2 teaspoon Ground Coriander, 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce, 1 Tablespoon Garlic
Cook for a minimum of 45 minutes. If you have the time, it is best if it simmers all day or as long as possible.
Serve with sour cream, cheese, cilantro and the remaining bacon.
Sour Cream, Cilantro, Cheese

Notes

Chili can be frozen for 4-6 months.

Want it spicier? Try adding 1/4-1 teaspoon cayenne

Nutrition

Calories: 331kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 866mgPotassium: 770mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1055IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 4mg

Author: Sweet Basil

Course: 50 of the Best Easy Soup Recipes for Families

Cuisine: American

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Best Chili Recipe - Oh Sweet Basil (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

Tell Me More ›

What herbs go good 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.

Does oregano or basil go in chili? ›

Once the beef is brown add the onion and garlic, cook until they are soft and fragrant. Add the cumin, chilli powder, smoked paprika, oregano and basil, stir well and cook for a few minutes. Add the beef stock, brown sugar, crushed tomatoes and season with sea salt and black pepper.

Learn More ›

How do you make chili more interesting? ›

I like to give my chili a little more complexity, so I'll often add canned chipotle chili peppers, a touch of cinnamon or Chinese 5 spice, chocolate and cilantro or coriander. A few other flavor boosting ingredients could be: smoked sausage, grilled corn kernels, coffee, beer or roasted tomatoes.

Get More Info Here ›

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 is the most important spice in chili? ›

Spices: Freshly ground cumin is a must. If it's not fresh, then don't bother. Secret Ingredients & Technique: I like extra hot chili, so I round up all spicy ingredients.

See Details ›

What makes chili taste better? ›

"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said. "The fresh burst of flavor will brighten and elevate the chili while also adding great texture and crunch."

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What can you add to chili for extra flavor? ›

Spices: While cumin, chile powder, and cayenne pepper tend to be common additions to many chili recipes, there's a broad world of flavor out there to experiment with. Try a little fenugreek, turmeric, garam masala, or sumac to layer in more complex flavors. Smoky paprika is my own personal favorite.

Keep Reading ›

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

Cinnamon. The beauty of ground cinnamon is that it brings a warmth to your chili, without being spicy. It works well with other flavors commonly found in chili (like tomato, cumin and chile powder) so you only need a little bit to achieve the desired balance.

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What spice tastes like basil? ›

Basil substitutes can include its mint cousins: Greek oregano, mint, and thyme. Tarragon and savory are also suitable alternatives to basil. Because basil is included in Italian seasoning, that is also a good alternative for basil when called for in an Italian-style recipe.

Should I put garlic in my chili? ›

Many chili recipes call for ground chili powder, which is a mix of dried ground chiles and other spices like garlic and onion powder. But that doesn't mean you should skip using fresh garlic and onions in your chili. They add a depth of flavor the dried stuff can't match.

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Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato sauce is not a strong a taste as tomato paste. Also, sauce will increase the liquid content of your chili ever so slightly. Tomato paste has a more full, rich, tomato taste and smell. Using either one is appropriate, but you will need to tweak your seasonings to suit your personal tastes, anyway.

What are the best beans to use in 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.

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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.

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Why would you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

Get More Info Here ›

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.

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What does adding sugar to chili do? ›

Why is sugar used in this chili recipe? Sugar is used to cut the acidity of the tomatoes used in my homemade chili recipe. Using a small amount of sugar balances the flavors which in turn creates a smoother and richer taste overall.