The Ultimate Best Chili Recipe: Easy, Thick & Flavorful Meat Chili
The Ultimate Best Chili Recipe: Easy, Thick & Flavorful Meat Chili
Welcome to what many are calling the best chili recipe they’ve ever tried! This comprehensive guide will show you how to create the perfect bowl of chili – thick, flavorful, and packed with savory ground beef goodness. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or want to impress at your next game day gathering, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with homemade charm.
What makes this the best chili recipe? It’s the perfect balance of spices, the ideal thickness that coats your spoon beautifully, and the deep, developed flavors that only come from proper cooking techniques. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – perfect for stovetop, slow cooker, or instant pot methods.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained
- 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
Chili Spices:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Cornbread or crackers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until well-browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step is crucial for developing deep meaty flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add diced onions and bell peppers to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma will be incredible!
Step 3: Add Spices
Sprinkle all the chili spices over the meat and vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, which intensifies their flavor.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Then pour in diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Add the bay leaf and stir everything together.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Stovetop Method: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For best results, let it simmer for 2-3 hours.
Slow Cooker Method: Transfer everything to your crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavor!
Step 6: Thicken and Serve
Remove bay leaf. If chili is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water, then stirring it into the hot chili. Let it simmer for 10 more minutes.
Expert Tips for the Best Chili Ever
Secret Ingredients for Amazing Flavor
- Dark Chocolate: Add 1 ounce of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) for depth
- Beer or Coffee: Substitute 1 cup of beef broth with dark beer or strong coffee
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon adds umami richness
- Don’t Skip Toasting Spices: This step doubles the flavor impact
Thickness Control
- For thicker chili: Use less broth or simmer uncovered longer
- Mash some beans against the pot wall for natural thickness
- Add masa harina (corn flour) instead of cornstarch for authentic thickness
Making it Your Own
- Heat Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to your preference
- Bean Options: Try black beans, pinto beans, or chili beans
- Meat Variations: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a meat blend
- No Bean Option: Omit beans for Texas-style chili
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this the best chili recipe?
This recipe balances all the essential elements: proper meat browning, perfectly toasted spices, optimal cooking time, and the right thickness. The combination of techniques ensures maximum flavor development.
Can I make this in a crock pot?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté vegetables first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for incredible flavor.
How do I make my chili thicker?
Simmer uncovered longer, add cornstarch slurry, mash some beans, or use less liquid. The recipe as written produces a perfectly thick chili.
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes! Chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
What’s the secret to restaurant-quality chili?
Time and technique. Taking the time to properly brown the meat and toast the spices makes all the difference. Don’t rush the cooking process!
Whether you’re craving the best easy chili recipe for a cozy night in or need an impressive dish for entertaining, this recipe delivers perfection every time. The rich, savory flavors and perfect thickness will have everyone asking for seconds!
The Ultimate Best Chili Recipe: Easy, Thick & Flavorful Meat Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until well-browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle all the chili spices over the meat and vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, which intensifies their flavor.
- Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Then pour in diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Add the bay leaf and stir everything together.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For best results, let it simmer for 2-3 hours.
- Remove bay leaf. If chili is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water, then stirring it into the hot chili. Let it simmer for 10 more minutes.
