Table of Contents: The Best Chili Recipe

The Best Chili Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty beef chili to warm your soul and bring the family together. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or just a craving for something delicious, this Award-Winning Chili Recipe is your ultimate go-to. Packed with bold flavors, tender ground beef, smoky bacon, and a medley of beans, this homemade chili recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Trust us—it’s so good, it might just become your new family tradition.

Award-Winning Chili: A Bowl of Comfort

This Best Chili Recipe isn’t just another meal—it’s a labor of love. What makes it special? It’s the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, combined with wholesome ingredients that create a depth of flavor you’ll crave again and again. The secret? A blend of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and a touch of beer for richness. This hearty beef chili is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, game day, or even meal prepping for the week.

Imagine the aroma of sizzling bacon, caramelized onions, and garlic filling your kitchen. Picture tender chunks of beef simmering in a robust tomato base, infused with chili powder, cumin, and a hint of cayenne. Each bite is a burst of warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe delivers every time.

Alternate Names & Variations

This Best Chili Recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes. Here are a few alternate names or variations you might come across:
– Texas-Style Chili
– Smoky Bacon Chili
– Three-Bean Chili
– Spicy Beef Chili

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding ingredients like corn, sweet potatoes, or even a splash of bourbon for a unique twist.

Ingredients: The Best Chili Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Award-Winning Chili:

– 8 ounces bacon, chopped
– 1 large yellow onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, seeds and core removed, diced
– 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
– 2 carrots, minced
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 pounds lean ground beef
– 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
– 2 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 3 teaspoons chili powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes with basil
– 3 (15-ounce) cans of beans (1 red kidney beans, 1 black beans, 1 pinto beans recommended), drained and rinsed
– 3 cups beef broth or 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup pilsner beer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno, and minced carrots to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

4. Add the Spices: Stir in the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.

5. Build the Chili: Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and cooked bacon. Stir to combine, then pour in the beef broth (and beer, if using).

6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

7. Add the Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

8. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Recipe Card Block

This Best Chili Recipe takes 20 minutes to prepare and 1.5 hours to cook, making it a total of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It serves 6–8 people and contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Award-Winning Chili Recipe stands out because of its rich, layered flavors and easy preparation. The combination of bacon fat, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices creates a depth that’s hard to resist. Pro tip: Toasting the spices before adding liquids enhances their aroma and taste. For an extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftover hearty beef chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool the chili completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Conclusion: The Best Chili Recipe

Ready to make the Best Chili Recipe your family will rave about? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Don’t forget to share your results or leave a comment—we’d love to hear how it turned out!

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