If you’re dreaming of a steaming bowl of comfort with bold flavors, hearty veggies, and the perfect amount of kick, the Best Ever Chili Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. Not only is it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or game day gatherings, but every spoonful brings layers of taste from tender meats, colorful peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, and classic spices. Whether you like your chili piled high with toppings or just straight from the pot, this unforgettable recipe proves that simple ingredients can deliver big, soul-warming results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for the Best Ever Chili Recipe couldn’t be simpler, and each one plays a key part in crafting that signature depth, texture, and color. From savory meats to bright peppers and aromatic spices, every element brings its own magic to the pot.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of richness and helps sauté those veggies until they’re beautifully soft.
Yellow onion, diced (1 large): Brings sweet aroma and a luscious savoriness to the chili base.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Essential for its deep, warming flavor that infuses every bite.
Ground beef (1 pound): Delivers hearty texture and a classic meatiness that’s impossible to resist.
Ground pork or turkey (1 pound): Adds a second layer of savory depth and helps keep things juicy.
Red bell pepper, diced (1): For sweetness and a pop of bright color.
Green bell pepper, diced (1): Offers a slight bitterness and crunch to balance the flavors.
Chili powder (2 tablespoons): The heart of any chili – bold, fragrant, and unmistakable.
Cumin (1 tablespoon): Adds warm, earthy undertones that make this chili extra memorable.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives subtle smoky notes to the whole pot.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle herbal aroma to round out the flavors.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for lifting and brightening all the other flavors.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle background heat.
Cayenne pepper, optional (¼ teaspoon): If you love a little extra fire, this will do the trick.
Tomato paste (6-ounce can): Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken your chili.
Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): Creates a lush, savory sauce as the chili simmers.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (15-ounce can): Packs a tangy, subtly spicy punch.
Kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15-ounce can): Classic chili beans add hearty body and fiber.
Black beans, drained and rinsed (15-ounce can): Offer creamy texture and even more substance.
Beef broth (1 cup): Ties everything together with a rich, savory base.

How to Make Best Ever Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and give it a few minutes to soften, stirring occasionally until it turns translucent and smells delicious. Add in the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant – this is the foundation for that incredible chili aroma that will be wafting through your kitchen.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

Next, add both ground beef and pork (or turkey) directly into the pot. Use your spoon to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks, making sure all the pink disappears and you’re left with a gorgeous, browned mixture. This not only packs your chili with flavor, but makes sure every bite is hearty and satisfying.

Step 3: Add Peppers and Toast Spices

Toss in both diced bell peppers and let their sweetness mingle with the meaty base. Sprinkle in all your spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if you’re feeling spicy). Stir for a couple of minutes so the spices can bloom and fill everything with that signature Best Ever Chili Recipe aroma.

Step 4: Stir in Tomato Paste

Time for a hit of concentrated tomato! Add the tomato paste and stir for about a minute. This quick step deepens the sauce and gives your chili that luscious, thick texture that clings perfectly to a spoon.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with chilies, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Give everything a hearty stir so each ingredient is swimming in delicious flavor. The mix will look robust and colorful, hinting at the fantastic dinner ahead.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cover. Let it go for at least 30 minutes (longer if you can), stirring now and then to ensure nothing sticks. If you have extra time, let it simmer for up to two hours – the flavors will only get better and more intertwined.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Ladle your hot, hearty Best Ever Chili Recipe into bowls, then pile on your favorite toppings or enjoy it just as it is – every scoop is packed with comfort and satisfaction.

How to Serve Best Ever Chili Recipe

Garnishes

The sky’s the limit for toppings! Try shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for that melty finish, a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, fresh chopped onions, crunchy tortilla strips, or sliced jalapeños for an extra punch. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a lovely zing right before serving.

Side Dishes

The Best Ever Chili Recipe works wonderfully with classic sides like warm cornbread (slather on some honey butter for a treat), fluffy white rice, or even a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop. For something lighter, serve with a crisp green salad to balance the rich chili.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to mix things up? Serve your chili nacho-style over tortilla chips, spoon it onto baked potatoes, or use it as the filling for burritos. Individual bread bowls or mason jar parfaits make for fun party presentations and memorable meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Ever Chili Recipe tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a real treat. Allow the chili to cool, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen, giving you that “day two” magic.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the desired amount into a pot and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot all the way through. For single servings, the microwave works perfectly – just cover and microwave until steaming, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make the Best Ever Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Start by sautéing the onions, garlic, and browning the meat on the stovetop, then transfer everything (including liquids and spices) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours for equally bold flavors.

How spicy is the Best Ever Chili Recipe?

This chili has plenty of flavor without being overwhelmingly hot. The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can dial up the spice to suit your taste, or leave it out for a milder, family-friendly version.

What if I want a vegetarian version?

Easy! Simply skip the meat and double up on beans, or add a plant-based meat alternative. A mix of sweet corn, diced zucchini, and mushrooms also works well for hearty texture and satisfying flavor.

Can I use different beans?

Definitely. While kidney and black beans are classic, feel free to swap in pinto, cannellini, or even garbanzo beans. Use whatever you have on hand, or mix things up for a fun beans medley!

Why does the Best Ever Chili Recipe taste better the next day?

As the chili sits, the flavors continue to meld and deepen, resulting in an even richer, more harmonious taste. The spices have more time to permeate the beans and meat, making tomorrow’s bowl somehow even better than today’s.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of chili that guarantees big flavor and big smiles, give the Best Ever Chili Recipe a try. There’s nothing quite like a homemade chili packed with goodness, ready to warm you from the inside out. Happy cooking – and don’t forget to pile on the toppings!

Best Ever Chili Recipe