Dinner

Best Chili Recipe

BySana Jeannette October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

This best chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any day you crave a comforting bowl of warmth. Made with ground beef, beans, and a rich blend of spices, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your appetite.

A white bowl is filled with thick, dark red chili as the bottom layer, rich with visible chunks of beef and beans. The chili is topped with a small mound of bright yellow shredded cheddar cheese that is slightly melted. On top of the cheese, there is a layer of pale yellow, crispy corn chips twisted and stacked loosely. Scattered green onion pieces add a fresh green touch over the chips and cheese. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. More chili bowls are blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef (85/15 recommended)
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced

1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz. can tomato sauce

1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon maple syrup

3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth/water)
Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Fritos (for topping)

Green onion (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened.

Step 3: Stir in the pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup until well combined.
Step 4: Add chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together.
Step 5: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve the chili hot with shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, and chopped green onions as toppings. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the spices.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Use black beans instead of kidney beans for a different texture and flavor.
Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness, but you can substitute it with brown sugar or honey.
Letting the chili simmer longer enhances the flavors even more.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Chili also freezes well—freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Four white bowls of chili are shown on a white marbled surface, each filled with thick, dark red chili containing ground meat and beans. The chili is topped with a layer of shredded orange cheddar cheese and light brown crispy tortilla strips. Green chopped scallions are sprinkled on top. Each bowl has a gold spoon resting on the edge or inside. There is also a small glass bowl of shredded cheddar cheese and some scattered cheese and tortilla strips on the surface, with a reddish spice powder spread near the bottom right. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the ground beef and increase the beans or add vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to keep it hearty and filling.

What can I use if I don’t have beef broth?

Chicken broth or even water works well as a substitute and won’t significantly affect the flavor.

Sana Jeannette