The Ultimate Best Chili Recipe: Easy, Thick & Flavorful Beef Chili
The Ultimate Best Chili Recipe: Easy, Thick & Flavorful Beef Chili
When it comes to comfort food that satisfies everyone at the table, nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade chili. This ultimate chili recipe combines everything you love – it’s easy to make, packed with flavorful ground beef and beans, has the perfect thickness, and can be customized to be as mild or as spicy as you like. Whether you’re using a crock pot for convenience or prefer the traditional stovetop method, this is truly the best chili recipe you’ll ever make.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
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 break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: SautƩ Aromatics
Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Base
Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps deepen the flavor. Then add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 1-2 hours for deeper flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Crock Pot Alternative
For crock pot chili: Brown the meat and sautƩ aromatics as above, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Expert Tips for the Best Chili
For Thicker Chili: Mix 2 tablespoons of masa harina or cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water, then stir into the simmering chili. Let cook for 10 more minutes.
For Spicier Chili: Increase cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon, add 1-2 chopped jalapeƱos with the onions, or include a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
Flavor Development: Let your chili rest for 15 minutes after cooking. The flavors meld together beautifully during this resting period.
Meat Variations: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use a mix of ground beef and pork sausage for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this chili thicker?
The tomato paste and longer cooking time naturally thicken the chili. For extra thickness, use the masa harina or cornstarch slurry method mentioned above.
Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely! This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
What’s the secret to “real chili” flavor?
The combination of toasting the spices with the meat and aromatics, plus the long simmering time, creates that authentic, deep chili flavor everyone loves.
How do I adjust the heat level?
Start with less cayenne and taste as you go. You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it out! Serve with toppings like sour cream to tame the spice.
The Ultimate Best Chili Recipe: Easy, Thick & Flavorful Beef Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps deepen the flavor. Then add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 1-2 hours for deeper flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
