If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that warms the soul and fills the belly, look no further than The Best Chili Recipe. This dish brings together the smoky crispiness of turkey bacon, the rich depth of ground beef, and a vibrant blend of spices all simmered in luscious tomatoes and beans. It’s a perfect balance of bold flavors and satisfying textures that will quickly become your go-to for chilly evenings, casual dinners, or gatherings with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s called The Best Chili Recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Best Chili Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this chili so irresistible.
- 1 pound turkey bacon (chopped): Adds a wonderful smoky flavor and crisp texture that enhances the chili’s depth.
- 2 pounds ground beef: Provides hearty richness and a satisfying protein base for the chili.
- 2 medium onions (diced): Bring natural sweetness and a subtle bite that balances the spices.
- 1 tablespoon cumin: Infuses the dish with warm, earthy tones that define classic chili.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Delivers the signature spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the chili a robust, savory foundation.
- 3 cans (28 oz) diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: Provide juicy acidity and a luscious saucy texture to keep each bite vibrant.
- 2 cans (15 oz) red kidney beans (drained): Add hearty fiber and a creamy texture that rounds out the chili.
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth: Keeps the chili perfectly moist and enhances the overall savory flavor.
How to Make The Best Chili Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Turkey Bacon
Start by cooking the chopped turkey bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it’s beautifully crispy. Don’t toss out the bacon grease—it’s pure flavor gold and will serve as the perfect base for your onions and spices.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the same pot, letting it brown nicely in the bacon fat. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to enhance its richness. Once cooked through, remove the beef from the pot but keep all those flavorful drippings behind.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Add Spices
Using the reserved grease, sauté the diced onions until they turn translucent and tender, coaxing out their natural sweetness. Now comes the fun part—stir in the cumin, chili powder, and tomato paste, allowing them to toast slightly and release their aromas. This step builds the bold backbone of your chili’s flavor.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, mixing everything together thoroughly. Let this tomatoey mixture come to a gentle simmer to meld those flavors, getting thick and luscious, like the comforting hug you want from your chili.
Step 5: Return the Meats, Add Beans and Broth
Bring the browned ground beef and crispy turkey bacon back into the pot, then add the drained red kidney beans and broth. Stir everything well so each ingredient is fully embraced by the savory, spiced tomato sauce.
Step 6: Let It Simmer to Perfection
Allow the chili to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This final simmer lets all those rich flavors meld together perfectly while softening the beans and deepening the chili’s texture. After this, it’s ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate The Best Chili Recipe to new heights. Freshly chopped cilantro brightens each spoonful, while shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy, melty finish. A dollop of sour cream cools the palate, and sliced jalapeños provide an extra kick for heat lovers. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist!
Side Dishes
Serve this chili with warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or even crispy tortilla chips for that perfect combination of textures. A simple green salad can balance the richness, and pickled jalapeños or onions add a tangy contrast that keeps your taste buds engaged throughout the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests or family? Consider serving The Best Chili Recipe in mini bread bowls, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a fun twist. You can even turn it into a loaded chili nacho platter topped with your favorite extras—there’s no limit to how this versatile recipe can shine at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making for easy meals on busy days.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and warm whenever you need a comforting dinner in no time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chili gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also microwave individual servings, ensuring you heat evenly by stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in The Best Chili Recipe; just be mindful to adjust seasoning if needed since turkey has a milder flavor.
How spicy is this chili? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe has a moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder, but you can easily customize the heat by adding more spices, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce based on your preference.
Do I need to soak the kidney beans?
Since this recipe uses canned kidney beans, there is no need to soak them. Just be sure to drain and rinse to reduce sodium and remove canning liquid.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the turkey bacon and ground beef, and increase the beans or add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to maintain heartiness.
What is the best way to serve chili for a party?
Set up a chili bar with a variety of toppings and sides like shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, cornbread, and tortilla chips. It’s a fun, interactive way for guests to customize their bowls.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a warm bowl of The Best Chili Recipe after a long day. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and simple enough to make any night special. So go ahead, gather these ingredients, cozy up, and let this chili become a cherished staple in your kitchen. You’ll be so glad you did!
Print
The Best Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe combining crispy turkey bacon and ground beef with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and kidney beans. Perfectly simmered to develop deep flavors, this chili serves 8 and makes a satisfying meal any time of year.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 pound turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 pounds ground beef
Vegetables and Legumes
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 3 cans (28 oz each) diced tomatoes and tomato sauce
- 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 3–4 tablespoons tomato paste
Liquids
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Cook Turkey Bacon: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and reserve the rendered grease in the pot.
- Brown Ground Beef: Using the same pot and reserved bacon grease, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper as desired, then remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Add Spices: In the reserved grease, sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and tender. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Return Meats and Add Beans and Broth: Add the cooked turkey bacon and browned ground beef back into the pot along with the drained kidney beans and beef or vegetable broth. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Final Simmer: Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This final simmer thickens the chili and blends all flavors perfectly. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a leaner version.
- Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your desired chili thickness.
- Make chili a day ahead to deepen the flavors; it reheats beautifully.
- Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or cornbread for a complete meal.
