The Best Dinner Chili Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is The BEST Chili Recipe – it’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. The combination of crispy bacon, tender ground beef, and the rich blend of spices makes it the perfect cold-weather dish. The addition of fire-roasted tomatoes and green chilis gives it a smoky, tangy kick, while the kidney beans and black beans add depth. Whether you top it with sour cream, shredded cheddar, or corn chips, this chili is sure to satisfy. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and it’s quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight!

Ingredients

• 5 strips uncooked bacon, chopped (omit if necessary)

• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tablespoon)

• 1 lb ground beef (90% lean preferred)

• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 Tablespoon chili powder

• 1 Tablespoon ancho chili powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

• 1 ¼ cup beef broth

• 15 oz can dark red kidney beans, lightly rinsed and drained

• 15 oz can black beans, lightly rinsed and drained

• 14.5 oz can diced fire roasted tomatoes, undrained

• 7 oz can fire roasted green chilis

• ¼ cup tomato paste

• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• Preferred toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and corn chips

Directions

1. Cook the Bacon: Place chopped uncooked bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until crisp, then remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and leave about 1 ½ tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.

2. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is about halfway browned, add the brown sugar, chili powders, paprika, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the beef broth, beans, diced fire roasted tomatoes, green chilis, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and the reserved bacon. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes.

5. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to develop.

6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar, and corn chips.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings (approximately 1 ⅔ cups per serving)

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Bacon: While bacon is essential for flavor, you can omit it if you have dietary restrictions. For an alternative, use 1 ½ tablespoons of oil to sauté the vegetables in place of bacon grease.

• Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper to ¼ teaspoon or add some diced fresh jalapeños. For a milder version, you can reduce the cayenne or omit it entirely.

• Beans: You can substitute the kidney beans and black beans with any other beans you prefer, such as pinto or white beans.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: This chili freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or beef broth if the chili thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, chili often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge to enjoy later.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker. After cooking the bacon, vegetables, and beef in a skillet, transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. For the best flavor, use a mix of dark and white meat or opt for ground turkey thigh meat to prevent dryness.

Conclusion

This Award-Winning Chili is a tried-and-true favorite that will satisfy all your comfort food cravings. With crispy bacon, tender beef, and a perfect blend of spices, it’s a dish that’s sure to please your family and friends. Pair it with some buttermilk cornbread, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy meal for those chilly days. Enjoy!