The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings (this recipe makes 10 cups total, so one serving is approx 1 ⅔ cup)
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Calories
611 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!)
Description
The preparation begins by crisping chopped bacon in a pot, then removing some to reserve and cooking onions and bell peppers in the flavorful bacon fat. Garlic is added briefly, followed by ground beef which is browned partially before stirring in brown sugar and a mixture of chili powders and spices. Beans, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilis, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and the cooked bacon are added to the pot and brought to a boil.
After an initial boil, the chili simmers uncovered to allow flavor development and slight thickening. The result is a rich, complex chili with smoky undertones from bacon, balanced heat from mild chilis and spices, and hearty texture from beans and ground beef.
This chili is typically served with classic toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and corn chips, enhancing creaminess and crunch. It works well as a filling main dish for casual meals and gatherings.
For dietary adjustments, bacon can be omitted by substituting cooking oil in the first step. Spice levels can be modified by adjusting cayenne pepper amounts. The recipe recommends using a mix of chili powders for a balanced flavor.
Ingredients
- 5 Bacon chopped¹, strips, uncooked
- 1 large yellow onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced (about 1 Tablespoon)
- 1 lb ground beef (455g) (I use 90% but any will work)
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoons black pepper ground
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ¼ cup beef broth (295ml)
- 15 oz Kidney Beans lightly rinsed and drained (425g, dark red, canned
- 15 oz black beans lightly rinsed and drained (425, canned
- 14.5 .5 oz diced fire roasted tomatoes undrained (411g, canned
- 7- oz green chili 198g, fire roasted, canned
- ¼ cup tomato paste (66g)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Preferred toppings particularly sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and corn chips
Instructions
- Place chopped (uncooked) bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven and cook over medium heat until crisp and cooked through. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate and drain all but 1 ½ Tablespoons of grease.
- Add onion and pepper and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add beef, breaking apart with a spatula as you cook. Once meat is partially (about 50%) browned, add sugar and all spices (chili powders, paprika, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper) and stir well.
- Add all remaining ingredients -- beef broth, beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, chilis, and Worcestershire sauce -- and your cooked bacon and stir well.
- Bring to a boil and cook 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 30 minutes to allow flavor to really develop.
- Serve with preferred toppings (sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and corn chips are a must!)
Notes
- For flavor, do not omit the bacon; if needed, substitute with 1 ½ tablespoons of oil for cooking vegetables and meat.
- You may reserve some cooked bacon for garnishing if desired.
- Adjust spices: mixing traditional and ancho chili powders adds depth; cayenne pepper amount controls heat level.
- The suggested cayenne amount provides mild spice; increase carefully for more heat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings (this recipe makes 10 cups total, so one serving is approx 1 ⅔ cup)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 611 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving (not including toppings) | |
| Calories | 611kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 72g | 24% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 1315mg | 55% |
| Potassium | 758mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 11g | 44% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 30IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 72mg | 80% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 20mg | 111% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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