This Best Chili Recipe is rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. Made with tender ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices, this comforting one-pot meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or meal prep. If you’re looking for a homemade chili that’s easy, satisfying, and family-friendly, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Thick, rich, and deeply flavorful
- Easy one-pot dinner with simple ingredients
- Perfect balance of spice and savory goodness
- Great for meal prep and freezer meals
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Family-friendly and comforting
- Ideal for chilly nights and gatherings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2½ tablespoons chili powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (19 ounces)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices (14.5 ounces)
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup non-alcoholic malt beverage or extra beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef with 1½ tablespoons chili powder.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef, onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables soften.
- Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add the remaining chili powder, cumin, green bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, non-alcoholic malt beverage, tomato paste, and brown sugar.
- Stir everything together well and bring the Best Chili Recipe to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your preferred consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with cheddar cheese, cilantro, green onions, or your favorite chili toppings.
Tips & Tricks
- Simmer longer for a thicker and richer chili.
- Add extra jalapeño for more heat.
- A splash of lime juice brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken if desired.
- Add black beans or pinto beans for extra texture.
- Crushed tortilla chips make a delicious crunchy topping.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes:
- Halal-friendly
- Nut-free
- Soy-free option available
- Gluten-free if using gluten-free broth and beverage
Notes
- The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted.
- This homemade chili tastes even better the next day.
- Serve with cornbread, rice, or baked potatoes for a complete meal.
- For a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
FAQ
Can I make this Best Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
How spicy is this chili?
It has moderate heat. Remove the jalapeño completely for a milder version.
Can I freeze homemade chili?
Absolutely. Let it cool fully before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What beans work best in chili?
Kidney beans are classic, but black beans and pinto beans also work well.
How do I thicken chili?
Simmer uncovered longer or mash some of the beans into the chili.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes. The flavors deepen overnight, making it excellent for meal prep.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Best Chili Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2½ tablespoons chili powder divided
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 1 can red kidney beans drained and rinsed (19 ounces)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices 14.5 ounces
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup non-alcoholic malt beverage or extra beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef with 1½ tablespoons chili powder.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef, onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables soften.
- Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add the remaining chili powder, cumin, green bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, non-alcoholic malt beverage, tomato paste, and brown sugar.
- Stir everything together well and bring the Best Chili Recipe to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your preferred consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with cheddar cheese, cilantro, green onions, or your favorite chili toppings.
Notes
- The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted.
- This homemade chili tastes even better the next day.
- Serve with cornbread, rice, or baked potatoes for a complete meal.
- For a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika.
Conclusion
This Best Chili Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights, family dinners, and cozy weekends. With rich beefy flavor, hearty beans, and perfectly balanced spices, it’s a satisfying homemade meal everyone will love. Once you try this easy chili recipe, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.