Name: Best Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef (15% fat); 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce; 1 can (15 oz.) 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 or water); Shredded cheddar cheese; Fritos; Green onion

Jump to Recipe

Hearty, comforting, and bold, this really is the Best Chili Recipe you’ll ever have in your kitchen arsenal. Each spoonful is packed with tender beef, creamy beans, juicy tomatoes, and a smart balance of spices, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for game night, potlucks, or a cozy Sunday dinner at home. I’m thrilled to walk you through every step from start to finish so you can fill your home with that irresistible aroma and make every bowl unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need simple, familiar ingredients for this Best Chili Recipe, but don’t be fooled—each one is essential, and together, they create a chili that’s loaded with robust flavor, color, and the perfect texture. Here’s why you want each element in your pot!

Ground Beef (1 lb., 15% fat): Adds rich flavor and heartiness, and the little bit of fat keeps the chili juicy.
Yellow Onion (1/2 medium, finely diced): Gives a classic aromatic foundation and sweetens as it cooks.
Minced Garlic (1 tablespoon): Punches up the savory depth with unmistakable warmth.
Pinto Beans (1 15-oz can, drained & rinsed): Add creamy texture and soak up that gorgeous sauce.
Kidney Beans (1 15-oz can, drained & rinsed): Give a hearty chew and signature chili color.
Tomato Sauce (1 15-oz can): Provides a silky, well-balanced base.
Diced Tomatoes (1 15-oz can): Bring bright acidity and juicy tomato flavor in each bite.
Tomato Paste (3 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato richness and helps thicken the pot.
Maple Syrup (1 tablespoon): Balances out the acidity and gives a subtle, rounded sweetness.
Chili Powder (3 tablespoons): The heart and soul of chili’s smoky, spicy goodness.
Garlic Powder (2 teaspoons): Doubles down on the garlic flavor for extra depth.
Ground Cumin (2 teaspoons): Adds warm, earthy notes that set great chili apart.
Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle smokiness that makes your chili truly memorable.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings everything into balance.
Ground Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lifts the flavors without overpowering.
Beef Broth (1 cup): Miracle worker for getting just the right consistency and savoriness—substitute chicken broth or water if needed.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Fritos, Green Onion: These classic toppings are totally optional, but they take your chili bowl from delicious to next-level.

How to Make Best Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, finely diced yellow onion, and minced garlic all at once. Sauté for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and crumbly and the onions are soft and fragrant. Don’t rush this part—the browning builds incredible depth.

Step 2: Add Beans, Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Paste, and Maple Syrup

It’s time to build the hearty base of your Best Chili Recipe. Toss in the drained pinto and kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Season and Add Broth

Now sprinkle in your chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and give the pot a big, satisfying stir to marry the flavors. The broth helps everything meld and makes the chili beautifully scoopable.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Turn the heat up to bring your chili to a gentle boil. Once everything is bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sauce thickens and all those flavors really settle in together. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Top and Serve

Ladle your piping-hot chili into bowls and go wild with toppings—shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, and fresh green onion are perfect, but don’t be afraid to make it your own. Each bite should be a celebration of everything that makes the Best Chili Recipe exactly that!

How to Serve Best Chili Recipe

Garnishes

The right toppings can turn a simple chili night into something unforgettable. Spoon on a big handful of freshly shredded cheddar cheese (let it get all melty!), a swoop of sour cream, a few Fritos for crunch, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for freshness. Cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce can quickly jazz up each bowl for your guests’ unique tastes.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Best Chili Recipe with delicious sides takes it over the top. Warm slices of cornbread, buttery biscuits, or crusty rolls are classic for sopping up every drop of spicy-sweet sauce. If you want something lighter, serve with a fresh green salad or cool down the heat with a creamy coleslaw. Don’t forget a side of tortilla chips for even more dunking and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just want to make dinner extra special, serve your chili in bread bowls for a fun twist, or ladle it over a bed of rice or baked potatoes for a heartier main. For gatherings, set up a chili bar with small bowls of all the toppings and sides, letting everyone build their own ultimate bowl—kids and adults alike will love the customization!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chili just gets better with time. Cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring them into airtight containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The flavors continue to meld, so your second (or third) bowl might be even more amazing than the first!

Freezing

Best Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. Scoop cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (flatten for easy stacking) and store for up to 3 months. Label those containers with the date so you know exactly when to grab a quick, ready-made meal. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pour chili into a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbly. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover with a splatter guard and stir halfway through to warm evenly.

FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of those magical dishes that actually improves as it sits. Make it a day in advance, refrigerate, and simply reheat on the stove when ready to serve. The flavors deepen, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about at dinnertime.

Can I swap out the beef for another protein?

Definitely. The Best Chili Recipe is incredibly flexible—try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as leaner proteins may need a splash of oil to keep things juicy.

How spicy is this chili?

It has a warm, gentle kick but isn’t overly spicy. If you love heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder. For milder palates, simply use a little less chili powder or offer hot sauce on the side for those wanting to dial it up.

What’s the best way to thicken my chili if it’s too runny?

Simmering your chili uncovered for a few more minutes usually does the trick, thanks to the tomato paste. If you’d like it even thicker, mash a few beans with a fork and stir them back in; they’ll naturally create a heartier texture.

Can I double this Best Chili Recipe for a crowd?

Yes, and you absolutely should! Simply double every ingredient and use the largest pot you own. It’s a perfect make-ahead, feed-a-crowd favorite—ideal for parties, family gatherings, or meal prepping for busy weeks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate, never-fail, always-a-hit chili, look no further—this Best Chili Recipe checks every box. I can’t wait for you to savor every spoonful, customize each bowl, and hear the rave reviews from anyone who gets a taste. Give it a try, and let this simple, hearty dish become your family’s next favorite tradition!

Best Chili Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Best Chili Recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for cozy nights in or for feeding a crowd. Packed with protein and spices, this chili will warm you up from the inside out.

Instructions

Heat the Stockpot: Heat a large stockpot over medium/high heat.
Sauté Beef and Aromatics: Add ground beef, yellow onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until beef is fully browned.
Add Beans and Sauce: Stir in pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup.
Season: Add chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in 1 cup of broth and stir well.
Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, Fritos, and green onion.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American