Ultimate Chili Recipe

On chilly autumn evenings, nothing beats the rich aroma of spices simmering on the stove, promising a bowl of warmth and comfort. I spent years tweaking ingredients to find the perfect balance of savory beef, tender beans, and just the right amount of heat.

This version has officially earned the title of my Best Recipe for chili because it delivers deep, complex flavor without requiring hours of active work. You get a thick, satisfying texture that clings to your spoon and warms you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Best Recipe

There is something incredibly satisfying about a meal that tastes even better the next day, making this dish a meal prep champion. My version uses a specific blend of spices and a hint of sweetness to cut the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.

You can easily adjust the heat level to suit your family’s preference, whether you like a mild warmth or a fiery kick. This Best Recipe is versatile enough to serve a crowd on game day or enjoy as a quiet weeknight dinner.

The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes and kidney beans creates a hearty foundation that stands up well to all your favorite toppings. It is the kind of reliable, crowd-pleasing dish that I turn to whenever I need to feed a hungry group.

Craving more hearty comfort food? My Minestrone Soup Recipe brings that same satisfying warmth, and the Tomato Soup Recipe has become a regular in my meal rotation.

Ingredients for the Best Recipe

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 3/4 cups low sodium beef broth
28 ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
15 ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
15 ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro

My Method for the Best Recipe

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent.
3. Add the lean ground beef to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, using a wooden spoon to crumble the meat as it browns.
4. Drain any excess grease from the pot if necessary, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste until the meat is evenly coated.
6. Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits.
7. Add the fire roasted crushed tomatoes, rinsed kidney beans, and rinsed pinto beans, stirring well to combine everything.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60 to 90 minutes to let the flavors meld.
9. Uncover the pot for the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking if you prefer a thicker consistency for your Best Recipe.

Tips for the Best Recipe Results

Sautéing the spices with the tomato paste before adding the liquid helps to bloom their flavors and remove the raw tomato taste. I always take this extra minute because it adds a depth of richness that simply dumping everything in at once cannot achieve.

If you find the Best Recipe is too thick after simmering, you can easily thin it out with a splash of extra broth or water. Conversely, if you want it thicker, just let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Using fire-roasted tomatoes is a small change that makes a massive difference in the final flavor profile of this dish. The slight smokiness from the tomatoes pairs beautifully with the cumin and chili powder for a restaurant-quality taste at home.

Serving This Best Recipe

I love setting up a topping bar so everyone can customize their own bowl with cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs. Freshly baked cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips are the perfect vehicles for scooping up every last drop of this Best Recipe.

For a fun twist, try serving leftovers over a baked potato or a bed of rice to stretch the meal even further. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making lunch the next day something I genuinely look forward to.