This Best Ever Chili is the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors with just the right amount of spice. The ground beef, beans, and tomatoes come together to create a comforting, hearty dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger.
Serve it with a side of cornbread, shredded cheese, sour cream, or any of your favorite chili toppings. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or serving it up at a party, this chili is always a crowd-pleaser. Its robust flavors and hearty texture make it a perfect dish for cooler months.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Best Ever Chili is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, a game day celebration, or a potluck party, this hearty and flavorful chili never fails to impress. It’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for both comfort and health-conscious eating. Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing chili recipe.
A Classic Comfort Food
Chili is a dish that has become synonymous with comfort food. It’s the ultimate warm and filling meal, especially during the colder months. The Best Ever Chili recipe has a perfect balance of flavors, thanks to the combination of savory ground beef, hearty beans, and tangy tomatoes. The spices, including chili powder, cumin, and paprika, give the dish a depth of flavor, while the optional cayenne pepper adds a kick for those who like their chili with a bit more heat. This chili recipe is all about satisfying your taste buds and filling you up with something comforting and delicious.
Why This Chili Recipe Is the Best
- Flavorful and Hearty: What sets this chili apart from others is its bold, robust flavor. The ground beef is browned to perfection, which creates a rich base for the chili. The combination of beans – kidney beans and black beans – adds texture, making each bite satisfying. Diced tomatoes bring a burst of freshness to the dish, while the spices tie everything together, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that’s never too overpowering.
- Easy to Make: One of the reasons this chili recipe is so popular is because it’s incredibly easy to make. It requires just a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, such as ground beef, beans, canned tomatoes, and spices. You can throw everything into one pot, stir it up, and let it simmer. There’s no need for complicated steps, making it ideal for busy families or anyone who loves a low-maintenance meal. Plus, this recipe doesn’t require any special cooking techniques, so even beginners can make it without any stress.
- Customizable to Your Taste: The Best Ever Chili recipe is highly versatile, meaning you can easily adjust it to suit your personal taste preferences or dietary needs. Want to make it spicier? Just add extra cayenne pepper or some hot sauce. Prefer it milder? Skip the cayenne and use a mild chili powder. You can also make it a bit more filling by adding extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini, or even sweet potatoes for a subtle sweetness. Additionally, if you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, you can swap the beans for more meat or low-carb vegetables.
- Nutrient-Rich: This chili isn’t just about taste – it also offers plenty of nutrients. The combination of lean ground beef and beans provides a solid dose of protein and fiber, which are essential for maintaining muscle health and digestive function. Beans are also a great source of plant-based iron and potassium, both of which support heart health. Additionally, the tomatoes in the recipe provide a dose of vitamins A and C, which are key for maintaining a strong immune system.
- Meal Prep and Freezer-Friendly: Another reason this chili is the best is because it’s perfect for meal prep. It makes a large batch, so you can enjoy it over several meals throughout the week. You can store the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it an excellent choice for busy weekdays when you need a quick and satisfying meal. If you want to stretch it even further, the chili also freezes well. You can freeze portions for later use, ensuring you always have a homemade, healthy meal ready to go.
The Benefits of Homemade Chili
Making chili at home rather than purchasing it pre-made offers several benefits:
- Control Over Ingredients: When you make chili from scratch, you can control exactly what goes into it. You can choose high-quality beef, organic beans, and fresh vegetables, ensuring that your chili is as healthy and flavorful as possible. You can also choose to skip any artificial additives or preservatives that might be found in store-bought versions.
- Cost-Effective: Homemade chili is much more affordable than purchasing ready-made chili from a can or restaurant. By using affordable ingredients like beans and ground beef, you can prepare a large batch of chili at a fraction of the cost. This makes it an ideal dish for feeding a crowd on a budget.
- Family-Friendly: Chili is one of those dishes that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you have picky eaters or little ones who love to dig in, this chili recipe is sure to please everyone. You can customize the spice levels to suit different taste preferences, and the texture of the beans and beef is easy for young children to eat. Plus, you can make it a fun family meal by allowing everyone to top their chili with their favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
Perfect for Any Occasion
The versatility of chili makes it perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ideas for when you can serve this Best Ever Chili:
- Family Dinners: This chili is a great option for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal. Serve it with a side of cornbread or a green salad for a balanced meal that’s easy to prepare and cleanup afterward.
- Game Days: Chili is a classic game day food. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or a casual game day gathering, chili is sure to be a hit. Set up a chili bar with various toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions, allowing everyone to customize their bowl.
- Potlucks: If you’re invited to a potluck or cookout, this chili recipe will definitely be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to transport, and the large batch size makes it ideal for feeding a group of people. Just bring a ladle and some bowls, and you’ll be all set.
- Meal Prep for the Week: If you’re trying to eat healthy but need something that’s easy to reheat, chili is the answer. You can make a big batch on Sunday, portion it out, and enjoy it throughout the week for lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
The Best Ever Chili is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make recipe that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal for the family, a crowd-pleasing dish for a party, or a meal prep option for the week, this chili ticks all the boxes. It’s customizable, full of flavor, and packed with nutrients. The combination of simple ingredients and bold spices makes this dish a standout and one you’ll want to make again and again.
By preparing your own chili, you’re not only ensuring that you’re getting a wholesome and tasty meal, but you’re also saving money and gaining the flexibility to adapt it to your own tastes. So next time you’re in need of a comforting meal, reach for this Best Ever Chili recipe – it’s bound to become a favorite in your household!
Conclusion
The Best Ever Chili is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With its rich combination of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, this chili is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a game day gathering, or a comforting weeknight meal. Its versatility allows for easy customization to suit your personal preferences, whether you prefer a spicier kick or a milder flavor. Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious, but it’s also nutrient-packed, budget-friendly, and great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Make this chili today, and you’ll quickly discover why it’s called the Best Ever – it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.