Best Chili Recipe

The Best Chili Recipe is a delightful dish that packs a punch of flavors with its combination of ground beef, turkey bacon, and three types of beans. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this chili is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. With the right blend of spices and toppings like sour cream and cheese, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The mix of spices including cumin, smoked paprika, and cocoa powder creates a rich and robust taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this chili quickly.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for an exciting meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: This chili keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day—perfect for leftovers!
• Feeds a Crowd: With ten servings per batch, it’s ideal for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make this best chili recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all the ingredients together, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while preventing heat transfer from metal utensils.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering best chili recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Base

• 6 Strips Turkey turkey bacon (good quality, chopped)
• 1 Red Onion (chopped)
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (seeded and chopped)
• 1 ½ Pounds Ground Beef

For the Beans

• 1 Can Kidney Beans (15 oz, drained)
• 1 Can Pinto Beans (15 oz, drained)
• 1 Can Black Beans (15 oz, drained)

For Flavoring

• 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
• 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 Toppings

• 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 crisp. Stir often to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the turkey bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the chopped onions and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until they are tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned throughout. Be sure to drain off any excess grease by tilting the pot and using a large spoon.

Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients including kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, jalapeño (if using), beef stock, oregano, cumin, cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground coriander, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Simmer

Let your chili cook for at least 45 minutes on low heat. If you have time to let it simmer longer throughout the day or into the evening for deeper flavor development—go for it!

Step 6: Serve

Ladle your delicious chili into bowls and top each serving with sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro leaves, and some reserved turkey bacon pieces for added crunch.

Enjoy your best chili recipe! It’s sure to be a hit at your next meal gathering.

How to Serve Best Chili Recipe

Serving chili is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and creating a satisfying meal. Here are some delightful ways to serve your Best Chili Recipe.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for a rich, melty finish.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and freshness.

Accompany with Crunchy Toppings

• Crushed Tortilla Chips: Add crunch by sprinkling crushed tortilla chips over the chili.
• Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado chunks complement the heat wonderfully.
• Jalapeños: For those who like it spicy, fresh jalapeño slices can kick up the flavor.

Serve with Bread

• Cornbread: This classic pairing soaks up the chili and adds sweetness.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread provides a savory contrast to the chili’s warmth.

How to Perfect Best Chili Recipe

Perfecting your Best Chili Recipe can elevate it to an extraordinary dish. Here are some tips to consider.

• Bold Spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust spices based on your taste. A little more cumin or paprika can make a significant difference.
• Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer enhances flavors. The more time it has, the better it tastes!
• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality meat for maximum flavor impact.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste during cooking. Adjust salt and spices as needed for balance.

Best Side Dishes for Best Chili Recipe

Complement your Best Chili Recipe with delicious side dishes that enhance the meal’s overall experience. Here’s a list of great options:

1. Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy, cornbread is perfect for dipping into chili.
2. Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the flavors beautifully.
3. Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips topped with cheese and jalapeños make for a fun side.
4. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of chili.
5. Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to hearty chili.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Roasted bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice pair well and add color to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the best chili recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using low-quality meat: Cheap cuts can lead to a greasy and tough chili. Opt for good-quality ground beef for better taste.
• Skipping the seasoning: Not using enough spices can result in bland chili. Be generous with your spices and adjust according to your taste.
• Overcooking or undercooking beans: If you overcook beans, they can become mushy. Cook them just until tender; they should retain their shape.
• Not simmering long enough: Chili tastes better the longer it simmers. Aim for at least 45 minutes, but all day is ideal if you can manage it.
• Neglecting toppings: Toppings add flavor and texture. Don’t forget sour cream, cheese, and fresh cilantro for the best experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Best Chili Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave space in containers to allow for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Best Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the best chili recipe.

What makes this the Best Chili Recipe?

This chili combines ground beef with three types of beans and a perfect blend of spices, ensuring rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Can I customize this Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like corn or zucchini, switch up the beans, or adjust spices according to your preference.

How do I store leftovers from the Best Chili Recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

Is this Best Chili Recipe spicy?

The level of spice depends on how much jalapeño you include. You can adjust it based on your spice preference or omit it altogether.

Final Thoughts

This best chili recipe is not only delicious but also adaptable. With its hearty ingredients and bold flavors, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients!