There is nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili to make you feel cozy and satisfied, especially when it’s made using the Best Ever Chili Recipe. This recipe brings together crispy bacon, perfectly browned beef, and a medley of spices and fresh vegetables that meld into a rich, flavorful masterpiece. It’s comfort food at its finest—rich, thick, and just the right balance of spicy and savory, guaranteed to become your go-to dish for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

A white bowl filled with thick chili showing a reddish-brown base with cooked ground meat and beans, topped on one side with bright green avocado cubes, small purple onion pieces, shredded white cheese, and chopped fresh green cilantro leaves. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. In the back, there is another white bowl filled with a similar chili topped with the same garnishes, and a small beige bowl filled with shredded cheese with some cheese scattered around. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface with a wooden board and some cilantro leaves on the left edge photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in crafting the perfect chili, from the smoky kick of the bacon to the hearty beans that give it a satisfying texture and color. These simple pantry staples come together to create layers of flavor that are both robust and comforting.

Bacon (4 strips, sliced ½-inch thick): Adds a smoky depth and crispy texture that forms a delicious base for the chili.
Ground beef (1 ½ pounds): Provides rich, meaty substance that makes the chili filling and satisfying.
Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Brings sweetness and aromatic flavor once softened and caramelized.
Green bell pepper (1 diced): Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the recipe with a warm, pungent essence that enhances all other flavors.
Chili powder (2 tablespoons): The heart of the seasoning mix, delivering classic chili heat and earthiness.
Ground cumin (1 tablespoon): Offers a warm, smoky undertone that plays perfectly with the chili powder.
Paprika (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle sweetness and, if smoked, a lovely smoky aroma.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a herbal, slightly bitter note that balances the richness.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps everything in balance.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a thick, luscious texture.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (1 28-ounce can): Introduces a smoky, tangy touch with a tender texture.
Black beans (1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): Provide creaminess and earthy flavor that complements the meat.
Red kidney beans (1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): Add firmness and vibrant red color for a chili classic.
Beef broth (2 cups): Creates a rich, flavorful liquid base that simmers everything perfectly.
Bay leaf (1): Lends a subtle, aromatic complexity that enhances the overall depth.

How to Make Best Ever Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Bacon

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the sliced bacon. Cook until it is crispy and golden, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the flavorful browned bits off the bottom of the pot. The rendered bacon fat creates the perfect base to build your chili’s rich flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Stir frequently and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Once the vegetables have started to mellow, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more. This quick sauté brings out their sweetness and mellows the garlic’s sharpness, setting the stage for the robust flavor to come.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Cook through until no pink remains, allowing it to develop a nice browned crust for added texture and flavor. Once cooked, drain off any excess liquid and fat to keep the chili rich but not greasy.

Step 4: Stir in Spices and Tomato Paste

Turn the heat to medium-low, then add the tomato paste along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes, letting the spices toast slightly until aromatic. This step enhances the depth of the spices and brings out their full, layered flavor.

Step 5: Add Canned Ingredients and Simmer

Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, add the drained black and kidney beans, then pour the beef broth and toss in the bay leaf. Stir everything together, then turn the heat to high until the chili just begins to boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer is where the flavors really meld and the chili thickens to that comforting texture we all love.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

After simmering, remove the bay leaf and give the chili one last stir. It’s now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and prepare for some serious comfort food happiness.

How to Serve Best Ever Chili Recipe

The image shows two white bowls filled with chili, placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a thick reddish-brown chili base with visible chunks of meat, beans, and tomatoes. One white bowl in the foreground has a spoon on the right side, partially dipped into the chili. On the left side of this bowl, there is a layer of diced green avocado, finely chopped red onion, shredded white cheese, and fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top. The second white bowl in the top left corner shows similar chili with the same toppings. Around the bowls, there is a small white bowl filled with shredded white cheese with some cheese spilled on a white cloth nearby. A wooden cutting board with scattered green cilantro and a knife with a light-colored handle is also visible at the bottom left. A partial bowl of diced avocado is seen on the lower right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Toppings are what take this chili to the next level. Sliced avocado adds creamy richness, finely chopped red onions bring brightness, and a handful of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream lends melty, cooling comfort. For a fresh herbal note, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions is heavenly. Garnish generously and let everyone customize their bowl!

Side Dishes

Chili is fantastic on its own but plays nicely with sides. Cornbread with a bit of honey butter is a classic companion, offering a slightly sweet counterpoint to the spice. You can also serve with tortilla chips for crunch, or a simple green salad to balance the hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get creative? Try serving this chili over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting twist or turn it into chili-filled baked potatoes for a fun presentation. Chili mac with elbow macaroni stirred in is another cozy option that kids and adults alike will adore. The possibilities are endless with the Best Ever Chili Recipe as your base.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all those wonderful flavors. As the chili sits, the flavors actually deepen, making leftovers often even better than the first day!

Freezing

Best Ever Chili Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick weeknight dinner.

Reheating

Reheat chili gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the texture. The flavors will shine just as brightly as the first time you made it.

FAQs

Can I make this chili without bacon?

Absolutely! The bacon adds wonderful smoky flavor but you can skip it or substitute with smoked paprika to keep that smoky essence. The chili will still be rich and delicious.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Best Ever Chili Recipe has a moderate level of heat thanks to the chili powder and spices, but it’s easily adjustable. Feel free to add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like it hotter!

Can I use different beans?

Yes! Black beans and kidney beans are traditional, but you can swap in pinto beans or even chickpeas if you want to mix things up. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned beans well.

How long can I simmer the chili?

You can simmer the chili for 30 minutes as directed, but if you have more time, letting it gently cook for up to an hour will deepen the flavors even further. Just keep the heat low and stir occasionally.

What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?

No worries! Regular canned diced or crushed tomatoes work perfectly fine. Fire-roasted just adds a subtle smoky twist, but the chili will still be spectacular without it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, deeply satisfying dish, this Best Ever Chili Recipe is everything you want in a bowl of comfort food. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet hearty and impressive enough to serve to guests. Trust me, once you try it, this chili will quickly become a cherished favorite you turn to time and time again.

Best Ever Chili Recipe