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The Best Chili Recipe

The Best Chili Recipe You’ll Want to Make Every Week

Discover The Best Chili Recipe that transforms any weeknight into a comforting culinary celebration.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chili
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Onion Provides foundational sweetness.
  • 1 small Jalapeño Keep seeds for extra heat, remove for milder.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1.5 tablespoons Chili Powder Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Adds earthy warmth.
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Offers sweetness and color.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Essential for great chili consistency.
  • 15 ounces Red Kidney Beans Drained and rinsed.
  • 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes Include juices for more flavor.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Can be swapped for vegetable broth.
  • 1 cup Beer Optional, adds complex flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Thickens the chili.
  • 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar Optional, balances acidity.
  • Salt Season to taste.
  • Black Pepper Season to taste.

Equipment

  • large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for The Best Chili Recipe
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add lean ground beef, chopped onion, diced jalapeño, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain excess fat.
  2. Sprinkle in chili powder and cumin, stirring well to coat. Incorporate crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, drained kidney beans, and beef broth. Optionally, add a splash of beer.
  3. Bring to a rolling boil, which takes about 5 minutes. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional brown sugar before serving. Ladle into bowls and garnish with toppings like shredded cheese or fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Allowing the chili to simmer uncovered helps thicken it beautifully. Frequent tasting ensures the perfect flavor balance.

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