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4.9 from 99 votes

The BEST Chili (Mom's Secret Recipe)!

The Best Chili Recipe is one that is loaded with beef and beans and absolutely PACKED full of flavor! Chili is hands down one of my family’s favorite meals! In this recipe, I’ll share secrets with you to ensure you have the most amazing chili you’ve ever had. You can’t go wrong with this chili recipe. It’s so simple to make and only uses one pot! This delicious thick and hearty chili is full of depth and flavor. Get ready to WOW your family with this AMAZING chili recipe.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 634 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course , Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Ground Beef
  • 2 ½ pounds ground beef (regular)
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
Chili
  • 1 teaspoon oil (cooking oil of choice)
  • 1 cup onion (chopped)
  • 1 Jalapeño (seeded and finely diced, optional)
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoon chili flakes (or cayenne pepper, optional)
  • 2 teaspoon chipotle powder ( or smoked paprika)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 2 tablespoon chocolate (dark or semi-sweet, chips or bar optional)
  • 1 green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
  • 14 ½ ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
  • 19 ounces red kidney beans (canned, drained & rinsed)
  • 19 ounces pinto beans (canned, drained and rinsed (optional, sub with red kidney beans))
  • 14 ½ ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (sub honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice)
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar (red wine vinegar, balsamic, or apple cider, optional)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl, combine the beef, salt, 1 tablespoon chili powder, baking soda, and water. Using your hands or a spoon, mix until evenly combined. Let the beef mixture sit on the counter for 15 minutes.
  2. In a large pot on medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onions, garlic, and jalapeno. Sauté for 4 - 6 minutes until softened. Add the beef and increase the heat to high. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat into ¼" pieces. Sauté until the beef has browned, about 10 - 12 minutes. Note: The beef will release a lot of liquid during the cooking process. Do not drain the liquid. The fat will be skimmed off at the end, if needed and it adds flavor and improves the texture of the beef while cooking.
  3. Add in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, chili flakes, bay leaf, chipotle powder or smoked paprika and cinnamon (optional). Stirring frequently, sauté for 1 - 2 minutes, until well combined and fragrant.
  4. Add in the green pepper, tomatoes, beans, beef broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, and chocolate (optional). Stir until evenly incorporated. Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered 45-60 minutes or until chili has reached desired thickness.Optional: Stir in vinegar and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
  6. Once the chili has reached your desired thickness, skim off any fat as desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Top with cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro or other favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories 634kcal (32%) Carbohydrates 49g (16%) Protein 40g (80%) Fat 32g (49%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 14g Trans Fat 2g Cholesterol 101mg (34%) Sodium 1525mg (64%) Potassium 1451mg (41%) Fiber 15g (60%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 1509IU (30%) Vitamin C 28mg (31%) Calcium 155mg (16%) Iron 9mg (50%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 634

% Daily Value*

Calories 634kcal 32%
Carbohydrates 49g 16%
Protein 40g 80%
Fat 32g 49%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 14g 70%
Trans Fat 2g 100%
Cholesterol 101mg 34%
Sodium 1525mg 64%
Potassium 1451mg 31%
Fiber 15g 60%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 1509IU 30%
Vitamin C 28mg 31%
Calcium 155mg 16%
Iron 9mg 50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.