The Best Homemade Chili Recipe for Cold Winter Evenings

Hearty chili recipes often spark passionate debates among home cooks and restaurant chefs alike.

Ingredients make or break this classic comfort dish.

Spices blend perfectly when carefully selected and balanced.

Our approach focuses on rich, deep flavors that simmer slowly and develop complexity.

Bold seasonings create a robust profile that stands out from standard versions.

Meat choices matter tremendously in crafting an exceptional bowl.

You’ll find this recipe delivers a knockout combination of warmth and satisfaction that will become your new go-to dinner solution.

Tips for The Best Chili

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version of the chili.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of dark beer or red wine during simmering for extra richness.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to make cooking smoother and reduce kitchen stress during meal preparation.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder or adding cayenne pepper for those who enjoy extra heat.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and taste even better the next day.

Flavor Variations for The Best Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version.
• Turkey Chili Lean Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative. Maintain the same spices and cooking method for a healthier protein choice.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat and sautéing onions. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for deeper flavor development.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and increase chili powder for extra heat. Top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.

Serving Ideas for The Best Chili

• Cozy Game Night Feast: Serve this hearty chili during board game gatherings with friends. Top with shredded cheese and crispy tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing meal that keeps everyone satisfied between rounds.
• Tailgate Party Winner: Perfect for outdoor sports events, pack this chili in a thermal container. Bring along toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, and cornbread for a delicious pregame meal that'll score big with fans.
• Comfort Food Comfort Station: Create a build-your-own chili bar for family dinners. Set out various toppings like diced avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, and different cheeses. Let everyone customize their bowl for a fun, interactive meal experience.

Proper Storage for The Best Chili

• Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring it cools completely before storing.
• Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for maximum 3 months, leaving some space for expansion.
• Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator for best results and food safety.
• Reheat chili on stovetop by placing in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking.

FAQs

• How spicy is this chili recipe?

The heat level depends on the chili powder you use. For mild chili, choose a standard chili powder. For more kick, add cayenne pepper or use a spicier chili powder blend.

• Can I make this chili recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute. The recipe will work perfectly with ground turkey, maintaining similar flavor and texture.

• Is this chili recipe gluten-free?

The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your beef broth and spices are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

• How can I make this chili more protein-rich?

Add extra beans like pinto beans or chickpeas. You can also include diced chicken or increase the amount of ground beef for more protein content.

Key Attributes of The Best Chili

• Conquer Meal Prep: This chili recipe requires minimal chopping and simple ingredients that most home cooks already have in their pantry.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty beans, rich ground beef, and bold spices, this dish satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its classic flavor profile.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether you're hosting a game day party, family dinner, or casual weekend meal, this versatile chili adapts beautifully to different social settings and can be easily scaled up or down.
• Customize with Ease: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños to personalize each bowl and make the recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients for The Best Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for this classic chili.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Protein-rich legumes that add texture and substance to the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base flavor for the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide a rich, tangy base and help thicken the chili sauce.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: A blend of warm, earthy spices that give the chili its signature depth and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the meaty flavor of the chili.

How to Prepare The Best Chili

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, making sure to break it into small crumbles. Once fully cooked, drain away the excess fat to keep the chili lean and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot, stirring and cooking until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their incredible flavors into the base of the chili.

Step 3: Spice Up the Moment

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano

Stir the spices into the beef and aromatics, letting them toast and intensify for about one minute, creating a deep, rich flavor foundation.

Step 4: Build the Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Kidney beans
• Black beans

Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and distributed.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chili to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.

Allow the flavors to meld and develop for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your personal preference.

Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.

Enjoy with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.

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• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cincinnati-style chili blends Mediterranean spices with classic Midwestern comfort. Savory beef and unique layered flavors create a memorable meal that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato and Bean Base:

• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth

Spices:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and crumbly, approximately 7-8 minutes. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
2. Introduce finely diced onions and crushed garlic into the pot, sautéing until translucent and aromatic, roughly 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in robust spice blend of chili powder, ground cumin, smoky paprika, and dried oregano. Toast spices for 60 seconds to intensify their flavors, stirring continuously.
4. Pour in fire-roasted diced tomatoes, rich tomato paste, savory beef broth, tender kidney beans, and hearty black beans. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Elevate heat momentarily to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to low simmer. Allow chili to gently bubble and meld flavors for 35-40 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
6. Calibrate seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
7. Ladle steaming chili into deep bowls and garnish with preferred toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

• Enhance the spice blend by toasting whole spices and grinding them fresh for a more intense, robust flavor profile.
• Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture.
• Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for extra kick, catering to different spice tolerances.
• brown meat first, then transfer all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, more melded flavors.

• Prep Time: 12 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg