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Best Chili Recipe

4.6 from 132 reviews

This Best Chili Recipe is a hearty and flavorful classic chili made with ground beef, beans, and a rich blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting meal, this chili is simmered to perfection, then topped with shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, and green onions for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

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

Beans and Tomatoes

  • 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

Spices and Flavorings

  • 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 black pepper

Liquids

  • 1 cup beef broth (can substitute chicken broth or water)

Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fritos corn chips
  • Green onion, sliced

Instructions

  1. Heat the stockpot: Place a large stockpot over medium-high heat to warm it up for sautéing.
  2. Sauté beef and aromatics: Add the ground beef, finely diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the stockpot. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened.
  3. Add beans and tomato base: Stir in the pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients well.
  4. Season and add broth: Sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Then pour in 1 cup of beef broth. Stir everything evenly to distribute the spices and liquid.
  5. Simmer the chili: Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
  6. Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, crunchy Fritos, and sliced green onions as desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade chili!

Notes

  • For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to lighten the dish.
  • Using freshly minced garlic will yield the best flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer it longer or add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.
  • This chili stores well and tastes great reheated the next day.

Keywords: best chili recipe, ground beef chili, easy chili, classic chili, homemade chili