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The thrill of game day is in the air, and the aroma of simmering chili wafts through my kitchen, beckoning friends and family to gather. There’s something undeniably comforting about this Ultimate Comfort Chili, transforming mere ingredients into a heartwarming dish that’s packed with flavor. I discovered this recipe during one of those crisp autumn afternoons when all I wanted was something delicious and satisfying.

With a thick, rich texture and customizable toppings that cater to everyone’s tastes, this chili quickly became a family favorite. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, with beans or without, you’ll find this recipe offers a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. So grab your pot and let’s create a bowl of joy that’s perfect for any occasion—because nothing warms the soul quite like a delicious pot of homemade chili.

Why is the best chili recipe a must-try?

Unmatched Comfort: The heartiness of this chili wraps you in warmth, making it perfect for cozy nights or gathering with friends.

Endless Customization: From mild to spicy, you can tailor the flavors to satisfy every palate, ensuring everyone leaves happy.

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: It’s the ultimate game day food that impresses guests and family alike, guaranteeing smiles all around.

Meal Prep Friendly: This chili stores beautifully, making it an easy choice for leftovers or meal planning—you can even try it with our Garlic Bread for an extra touch!

The Best Chili Recipe Ingredients

For the Chili Base

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds comforting depth and richness; feel free to substitute with canola or avocado oil.
Medium Onion – Provides a sweet, fragrant base; shallots work well for a milder flavor.
Jalapeño – Brings just the right kick of heat; replace it with bell peppers for a gentler option.
Green Pepper – Contributes delicious flavor and texture; red or yellow bell peppers can be used instead.
Mushrooms (24 oz) – Infuses umami and texture into your chili; zucchini can be a great substitute if desired.
Garlic (3 cloves) – Boosts flavor and aroma; fresh garlic is best, but powdered garlic will do in a pinch.
Lean Ground Beef (2 pounds) – The main protein for a hearty meal; ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives are tasty substitutes.
Beef Broth (2 cups) – Adds savory depth; vegetable broth makes a great option for a vegetarian twist.
Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes (14 oz) – Enhances flavor with acidity; regular diced tomatoes work if you can’t find the fire-roasted kind.
Tomato Sauce (8 oz) – Provides a smooth consistency; for extra flavor, use more diced tomatoes instead.
Red Kidney Beans (30 oz) – Adds heartiness and fiber; canned beans are convenient, but dry beans require pre-cooking.
Tomato Paste (1 tbsp) – Intensifies the tomato flavor; you can swap it with additional tomato sauce if needed.
Bay Leaves (2) – Infuses a lovely aromatic flavor; remember to remove them before serving.
Chili Powder (2 tbsp) – The star spice for chili flavor; adjust to your heat preference for the best chili recipe.
Onion Powder (1 tsp), Cumin (1 tsp), Oregano (1 tsp) – These spices round out the flavor profile; feel free to tweak according to your taste.
Cayenne (¼ tsp, optional) – For an extra punch of spiciness; skip it for a milder chili.
Salt (1 tsp) and Pepper (¼ tsp) – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste for the best results in your chili.

Optional Toppings

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Adds a creamy finish that balances the flavors perfectly.
Sliced Jalapeños – Perfect for those who crave a little extra heat!
Shredded Cheese – For a rich, melty indulgence that elevates each bowl.
Chopped Green Onions – Brings freshness and a delightful crunch.
Sliced Avocado – Adds a creamy texture that complements the chili beautifully.
Lime Wedges – A splash of brightness that can really enhance the flavors.
Tortilla Chips – Provides a delightful crunch on the side—perfect for dipping!
Garlic Bread – Ideal for those who love a good slice to accompany their chili experience.

How to Make the Best Chili Recipe

Prepare Beans: If you’re using dry beans, begin by soaking them overnight. Cook according to package directions until tender for the best chili recipe experience.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add jalapeños, green peppers, and onions, cooking until they soften, about 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook Beef: Add lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until it’s nicely browned, around 6-8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a cleaner finish!
Add Mushrooms: Toss 24 oz of mushrooms into the party, cooking until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. This adds a nice umami punch!
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the pot and add the spices, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
Simmer: Toss in the bay leaves and bring your concoction to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 hour for a thicker, richer chili).
Serve: Once ready, remove the bay leaves and serve your heartwarming chili hot. Let everyone customize their bowls with delightful toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced jalapeños!

Optional: Serve with warm garlic bread for the perfect chili accompaniment.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

The Best Chili Recipe Variations

Customize your chili experience to suit your taste preferences with these delightful twists and substitutes!

Vegetarian Delight: Swap out ground beef for your favorite beans or lentils. This keeps the heartiness while making it a plant-based wonder.
Spicy Kick: Ignite the flavor by adding more cayenne or diced habanero peppers. Adjust the heat to create a chili that dances on your palate!
Bean-Free Bliss: For a meat-centric dish, completely omit the beans and double the ground beef. It transforms the chili into a robust, hearty delight.
Thicker Consistency: Reduce the broth or simmer the chili longer for a thicker, stew-like texture. Allow those flavors to concentrate beautifully.
Smoky Flavor Boost: Incorporate smoked paprika or chipotle powder for an extra layer of rich, smoky goodness. This twist adds depth to each spoonful.
Soy-Free Option: Substitute traditional beef with ground turkey or chicken; it’s a lighter alternative without sacrificing moisture and flavor.
Colorful Veggie Medley: Add finely diced carrots, zucchini, or corn for a vibrant chili packed with nutrients. This twist doesn’t just look good; it tastes amazing too!
Sweet and Spicy: Toss in a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness. It creates a remarkable harmony of flavors.

Let your creativity shine and make this chili truly your own!

What to Serve with The Best Chili Recipe?

Warm up your mealtime with delightful accompaniments that elevate your chili experience to new heights.

Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread perfectly complements the spicy flavors of chili, making each bite a treat.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy on the outside and deliciously salty, these chips offer a satisfying contrast to the rich chili—perfect for dipping!
Garlic Bread: Slathered with butter and garlic, this bread is ideal for sopping up the savory sauce left in your bowl.
Avocado Salad: A refreshing avocado salad brightens up your plate with creamy, fresh flavors, balancing the spiciness of the chili.
Coleslaw: Crisp and tangy, coleslaw adds a cool crunch that pairs wonderfully with the warmth and heartiness of chili.
Ice Cold Beer: A classic choice, an ice-cold beer enhances the flavors of your chili while providing a refreshing counterpoint.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream not only cools down spiciness but also adds a creamy richness to each bite.
Mac and Cheese: This indulgent side adds a comforting creaminess that becomes an instant hit alongside your chili bowl.

Make Ahead Options

These best chili recipe make ahead options make meal prep a breeze! You can chop your vegetables and sauté them up to 24 hours in advance—just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can cook the chili up to three days ahead; simply cool it completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate. To serve, reheat the chili on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen it. The flavors will meld beautifully, ensuring a delicious meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights! With these tips, you can easily enjoy comforting chili whenever the craving strikes!

Expert Tips for the Best Chili Recipe

Sauté Vegetables Well: Ensure you properly sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic to unlock their sweet flavors, which is crucial for the best chili recipe.
Control Chili Thickness: If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of broth or increase the simmering time. This enhances the heartiness of each bite.
Layered Spices Matter: Feel free to adjust spices to suit your heat preference. Note that adding too much chili powder initially can overwhelm the flavor, so start small.
Use Quality Ingredients: Invest in good-quality canned tomatoes and broth—this can elevate the overall taste of your chili.
Perfect Serving Temperature: Serve your chili hot, and consider making it a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, improving the taste.

How to Store and Freeze the Best Chili Recipe

Fridge: Place your leftover chili in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Always reheat thoroughly before serving to maintain flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chili in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing to preserve texture.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot, so all those comforting flavors return.

Meal Prep: This chili is perfect for meal prepping. Portion out individual servings, making it easy to grab and enjoy a cozy meal any day!

The Best Chili Recipe Recipe FAQs

What types of beans should I use for the best chili recipe?
For the best chili recipe, I suggest using red kidney beans, as they add heartiness and fiber to the dish. Canned beans are very convenient since they are already cooked and save time. If you prefer, you can also use black beans or pinto beans. If you are using dry beans, remember to soak them overnight and cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the chili.

How long can I store leftover chili in the fridge?
Your leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. If you have a larger batch, don’t worry—it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!

Can I freeze the best chili recipe? How?
Absolutely! You can freeze your chili for up to 3 months. Let it cool down completely, then transfer it into airtight containers or freezer bags. I recommend labeling them with the date for easy tracking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the chili overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in a microwave until piping hot.

What if my chili ends up too thick or too thin?
If your chili is too thick, simply add a little beef or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency while simmering. On the contrary, if it’s too thin, increase the cooking time by simmering it longer without a lid, allowing some moisture to evaporate and thicken the sauce.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for this recipe?
Definitely! If you or someone who will be eating the chili has dietary restrictions, it’s great to know that this recipe is easily customizable. For a gluten-free option, ensure your broth and other packaged ingredients are gluten-free. Additionally, you can make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the beef with additional beans or lentils. Check with guests about potential allergies, especially with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or spices.

What are some great toppings for my chili?
I’ve found that toppings can truly elevate the best chili recipe! Consider serving it with sliced jalapeños for heat, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, shredded cheese for richness, or chopped green onions for a fresh crunch. Sliced avocado and lime wedges are also fantastic to add brightness and balance to the chili flavors!