Nothing beats a hearty, steaming bowl of chili on a cool evening. Our BEST Chili Recipe is packed with bold flavors, tender beef, savory beans, and a rich, spiced tomato base that will warm you from the inside out. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for family dinners, game days, and cozy nights in.
This chili brings together classic flavors in a perfectly balanced way — not too spicy, not too sweet, just rich, savory perfection.
It’s made with simple pantry ingredients, yet the final result tastes like it simmered all day.
We use ground beef for a rich, hearty base, but you can easily swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Beans add a creamy texture and boost the protein and fiber, making the chili more filling and satisfying.
The combination of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste gives the chili its thick, luscious consistency.
A blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika brings depth and a gentle kick without overwhelming the dish.
Cooking everything together in one pot means fewer dishes to clean up — a win-win for any busy home cook.
Chili is incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, top it with shredded cheese, or enjoy it with a slice of cornbread.
This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, but it also freezes beautifully for easy future meals.
The longer it simmers, the better it tastes, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
You can easily customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños.
This chili is also an excellent base for “chili bar” nights — set out toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, and green onions for guests to personalize their bowls.
Even picky eaters will love the savory, beefy flavor, and you’ll love how simple it is to make.
Are you ready to make the ultimate bowl of comforting, crowd-pleasing chili? Let’s get started!
Servings: 6-8 servings
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth; stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in drained kidney beans and black beans.
- Simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with desired toppings.
Tips:
- Brown the beef thoroughly for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic.
- Let the chili simmer longer for even deeper flavor.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for extra richness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this chili because it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or warming up on a chilly evening.
Summary: The BEST Chili Recipe features rich ground beef, hearty beans, a perfectly spiced tomato base, and slow-simmered flavor. It’s comforting, easy, and guaranteed to become a family favorite!
