Best Ever Beef Chili Recipe
A rich, hearty one-pot chili that’s perfect for cold days or game nights. Award-winning flavor that’s easy to customize.
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Difficulty: Medium
- Dietary: Can be made gluten-free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Can opener
Alternative: Slow cooker for hands-off cooking
INGREDIENTS
For the Base:
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef, 85% lean
- 4 slices bacon, diced (optional)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
Canned Goods:
- 1 can (28oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (15oz/425g each) kidney beans, drained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings:
- 2½ tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids:
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
METHOD
1. Cook the Bacon
- Heat Dutch oven over medium heat
- Cook diced bacon until crispy (about 5-7 minutes)
- Remove bacon, leave 2 tablespoons fat in pot
2. Brown the Beef
- Increase heat to medium-high
- Add beef in batches, breaking up chunks
- Cook until well-browned (8-10 minutes)
- Remove excess fat, leaving 2 tablespoons
3. Sauté Vegetables
- Add onions, peppers, garlic
- Cook until softened (5-7 minutes)
4. Add Seasonings
- Stir in all dry seasonings
- Cook until fragrant (30-60 seconds)
5. Combine Everything
- Add tomatoes, beans, paste, broth, Worcestershire
- Return bacon to pot
- Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer
6. Simmer and Develop Flavors
- Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes
- Stir occasionally
- Chili is ready when thick and rich
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Don’t skip browning the meat – it’s key for flavor
- Season gradually, taste as you go
- Let simmer at least 45 minutes for best flavor
- Add water if getting too thick
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 5 days
- Freeze up to 3 months
Common Mistakes:
- Rushing the browning process
- Under-seasoning
- Not letting flavors develop
Variations:
- Turkey/chicken instead of beef
- Extra beans for more fiber
- Spicier: add cayenne or extra jalapeños
- Vegetarian: replace meat with extra beans and vegetables
The chili should be thick enough that a wooden spoon stands upright. If too thick, add broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered until desired consistency is reached.
