The Best Ever Chili Recipe: A Classic Comfort Food

When the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of hearty chili. This Best Ever Chili Recipe is packed with bold flavors, tender ground beef, savory spices, and a perfect balance of beans and tomatoes. Whether you’re cooking for game day, a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this ultimate chili recipe will quickly become your go-to.

This classic chili recipe is easy to make and incredibly versatile—you can cook it on the stovetop for a quick dinner or let it simmer in a crockpot chili recipe for hands-off cooking. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a winning meal that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: A perfect blend of spices and ingredients makes this chili bold and delicious.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, beans, or toppings to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Chili stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers.
• Stovetop or Crockpot: Cook it your way for ultimate convenience.

Ingredients

For the Chili

• 2 lbs ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

Spices

• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Diced avocado
• Tortilla chips or crackers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add a splash of oil (if needed) and sauté the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Combine Ingredients

1. Return the browned beef to the pot.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
3. Add the kidney beans and black beans. Mix everything well.

4. Add the Spices

1. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper into the pot.
2. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.

5. Simmer the Chili

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
2. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor!

6. Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or warm cornbread on the side.

Crockpot Chili Recipe Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef on the stovetop and sauté the onions, garlic, and bell pepper.
2. Transfer the cooked beef and vegetables to a crockpot.
3. Add all remaining ingredients, including the spices. Stir to combine.
4. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
5. Stir well before serving and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Tips for the Best Chili

1. Let It Simmer: The longer the chili simmers, the better the flavor will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but an hour or more is even better.
2. Adjust Spice Levels: Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat, or reduce it for a milder chili.
3. Use Quality Meat: Ground chuck or a mix of ground beef and pork adds extra richness.
4. Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste: It gives the chili a deep, concentrated tomato flavor.
5. Customize the Beans: Feel free to use your favorite beans or omit them for a bean-free chili.

Variations to Try

• White Chicken Chili: Use shredded chicken, white beans, and green chilies for a lighter, creamy chili.
• Vegetarian Chili: Skip the meat and add extra beans, lentils, or diced sweet potatoes.
• Spicy Chili: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or more cayenne for a fiery kick.
• Chili Mac: Stir in cooked macaroni for a hearty twist on the classic.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your chili with warm cornbread or garlic bread for a comforting meal.
• Serve over rice or baked potatoes for an extra filling dinner.
• Add a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for balance.

Storage and Freezing Tips

1. Refrigerate: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
2. Freeze: Let the chili cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
3. Reheat: Warm in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Why This Recipe Works

• It uses simple ingredients but delivers bold, complex flavors.
• It’s highly versatile, so you can make it your own with customizations.
• It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.