The Best Chili Recipe Ever
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
3 hrs 15 mins
-
Total Time
3 hrs 30 mins
-
Servings
8
-
Calories
547 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Soup, Dinner
-
Cuisine
American
The Best Chili Recipe Ever
Description
This chili begins with rendering chopped bacon until crisp in a large pot, using the bacon fat to cook diced onion, red bell pepper, and serrano pepper until softened. Ground beef is added and browned, then combined with canned diced tomatoes, kidney, black, and pinto beans, red bell pepper paste, fresh garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and an array of spices including chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and paprika. Beef stock is added to create a rich base. The mixture is gently simmered covered over low heat for at least three hours to develop its flavors and tenderize the ingredients.
The result is a thick, hearty chili with varying textures from beans and meat, combined with heat from serrano pepper and warmth from spices. Crispy bacon pieces layered within and atop the chili add crunch and smoky notes. It can be served with typical chili toppings and sides as desired.
Adjust spiciness by increasing or decreasing serrano pepper amount or substituting jalapenos. Tomato paste can replace red bell pepper paste if needed. This chili freezes well in airtight bags for up to two months, making it convenient to prepare in advance and reheat.
Ingredients
- 8 lices Bacon chopped
- 1 large white onion diced
- 1 large red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 Serrano pepper seeded and diced
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef 85% lean 20% fat
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes undrained, petite
- 1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans drained, dark red
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans drained
- ⅓ cup red bell pepper paste
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic minced, fresh
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups beef stock
Instructions
- Add bacon to a large pot over medium-high heat and cook until the fat renders and the bacon is crispy, about 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon from the pot and let sit on a paper towel-lined plate.
- With the bacon grease still in the pot, add the onion, red bell pepper, and serrano pepper and cook until soft, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and continue cooking, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes more.
- Add all the remaining ingredients, plus half of the cooked bacon, and stir gently to combine, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 3 or more hours, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired, then serve with the remaining bacon and your favorite chili toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Control spice level by adjusting the amount of serrano or replacing with jalapeno peppers, but avoid changing chili powder amounts.
- If red bell pepper paste is unavailable, substitute with three tablespoons of tomato paste.
- This chili freezes well in airtight freezer bags for up to two months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 547 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 547kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 887mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 1384mg | 29% |
| Fiber | 17g | 68% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1935IU | 39% |
| Vitamin C | 52mg | 58% |
| Calcium | 125mg | 13% |
| Iron | 8mg | 44% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
