Best 10 Really Good Chili Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

When crafting the perfect chili, an array of flavors come together to create a hearty and satisfying dish. Whether it's a classic beef chili bursting with spices or a vegetarian chili filled with colorful vegetables and beans, the possibilities are endless. In this guide, we'll explore the best chili recipes that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques, we'll provide tips and tricks that will elevate your chili to the next level. So, grab your apron and let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the best chili recipe that will impress your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SIMPLE, PERFECT CHILI



Simple, Perfect Chili image

Ree Drummond's Simple, Perfect Chili recipe from The Pioneer Woman on Food Network will be a new comfort-food favorite for your family.

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 pounds ground beef
2 cloves garlic, chopped
One 8-ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup masa harina
One 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
One 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Shredded Cheddar, for serving
Chopped onions, for serving
Tortilla chips, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • Place the ground beef in a large pot and throw in the garlic. Cook over medium heat until browned. Drain off the excess fat, and then pour in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and cayenne. Stir together well, cover, and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes overly dry, add 1/2 cup water at a time as needed.
  • After an hour, place the masa harina in a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup water and stir together with a fork. Dump the masa mixture into the chili. Stir together well, and then taste and adjust the seasonings. Add more masa paste and/or water to get the chili to your preferred consistency, or to add more corn flavor. Add the beans and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with shredded Cheddar, chopped onions, tortilla chips and lime wedges.

BEST DAMN CHILI



Best Damn Chili image

After years of adjustments I have found a recipe for all to enjoy. Previous ones were either too hot or too mild, this one even was to the liking of my finance who hates chili.

Provided by Danny Jaye

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes     Beef Chili Recipes

Time 2h50m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 28

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 Anaheim chile pepper, chopped
2 red jalapeno pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 ½ pounds lean ground beef
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle light beer (such as Coors®)
1 (28 ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
½ cup white wine
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon chipotle pepper sauce
2 ½ teaspoons dried basil
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (16 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans (such as Bush's®)
1 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat; cook and stir onion, bell pepper, Anaheim pepper, jalapeno peppers, and garlic in the hot oil until softened.
  • Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; add Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Crumble bouillon cubes over beef and add beer. Continue to cook , scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, until liquid is hot, about 3 minutes. Stir beef mixture into pepper mixture.
  • Stir crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and wine to the beef mixture. Season with chili powder, 2 tablespoons cumin, brown sugar, pepper sauce, basil, paprika, salt, oregano, and black pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until meat and vegetables are very tender and flavors have developed in the chili, about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Mix kidney beans into beef and vegetables. Continue to simmer until beans are hot, about 30 minutes more.
  • Blend sour cream, cilantro, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin in a food processor until smooth. Serve sour cream mixture with chili.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 406.3 calories, Carbohydrate 27.6 g, Cholesterol 74.4 mg, Fat 21.1 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 25.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 1014.5 mg, Sugar 7.4 g

THE BEST CHILI



The Best Chili image

There are a thousand ways to make chili, but this is the quintessential, totally classic version. We used ground beef, kidney beans and the perfect blend of spices. You can slather it on hot dogs and burgers or serve it as a dip, but it can surely stand on its own. Chances are, you have everything you need right in your pantry. Top it with your favorite garnishes and serve with plenty of tortilla chips.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef chuck, preferably coarse grind (see Cook's Note)
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
Two 15.5-ounce cans kidney beans, undrained
Sour cream, shredded Cheddar and sliced scallions, for serving
Tortilla chips, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until just browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the jalapeno and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the tomato paste. Cook, stirring frequently, until coated and fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the cooked ground beef and any accumulated liquid, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the chili, partially covered, until the beef is tender and the sauce is slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
  • Stir in the beans and their liquid and simmer uncovered until the beans are softened and the chili is thickened, about 30 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Top with sour cream, Cheddar and scallions. Serve with tortilla chips.

REALLY EASY AND GOOD CHILI!



Really Easy and Good Chili! image

I have made this recipe lots of times in the past, it is one of the best recipes for chili! If you can, find chicken sausage, remove from the casings, and brown it along with the ground sirloin, it makes a fantastic chili, purchase about 5-6 large chicken sausages. Only use jalapeno peppers for this, they really make a difference in the taste. I always grind my own sirloin meat in my Kitchen Aid grinder attachment, you can ask your butcher for ground sirloin, it makes the best chili. When serving the chili dollup with sour cream then grated cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. I usually add in about 1-2 tablespoons ancho chili powder also, it adds more intense flavor, and is excellent for chili, if you make a lot of chili then this spice is worth keeping in your cupboard. The chili is best if made a day ahead, just prepare, cool and leave in the fridge overnight... You will love this! Of coarse ALL ingredients can be adjusted to suit taste.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Vegetable

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 large onions, coarsley chopped
1 large green bell pepper, coarsley chopped
1 1/2-2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
2 lbs lean ground beef or 2 lbs chopped sirloin
1/2 cup tomato paste (or use 1 small can, can use 2 cans for a richer chili)
2 -4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
2 -4 tablespoons chili powder (can add in more if desired)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cups chili sauce
1 -2 tablespoon cumin (add in more if desired)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
seasoning salt and pepper (this need lots of salt!)
1 large bay leaf
1 1/4 cups dry red wine (can use more or less, but please add it in!)
2 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes (with juice, break up the tomatoes slightly with your hands before adding in)
2 (14 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained (can use more)

Steps:

  • In a large Dutch oven on medium heat, brown the sirloin and the chicken sausage meat (if using) until done, drain the fat if desired).
  • Add in the tomato paste to the beef/chicken mixture, and stir for about 2 minutes.
  • Add in the onions, green pepper, garlic and jalapeno; cook, stirring for about 7 minutes.
  • Add in chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper and bay leaf; cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
  • Add/stir in red wine, chili sauce and tomatoes (break up tomatoes with a fork); bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 1-1/2 hours.
  • Add in the kidney beans about 30-35 minutes before the end of cooking time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 486.3, Fat 15.4, SaturatedFat 5.9, Cholesterol 78.1, Sodium 933.2, Carbohydrate 48.2, Fiber 11.2, Sugar 18.2, Protein 34.2

THE BEST EVER CHILI



The Best Ever Chili image

My dad and my father-in-law are the gurus in our chili-loving clan. But after my honeymoon to New Mexico, inspired by the fresh and fragrant chile peppers at the Santa Fe farmers market, I felt it was time to introduce them to my spicy, meaty version with a touch of masa harina. -Sarah Farmer, Taste of Home Culinary Director

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 1h40m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 23

3 dried ancho or guajillo chiles
1 to 2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 garlic cloves
1/4 cup chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 pound ground beef
1-1/2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
2 pounds beef tri-tip roast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 teaspoons salt, divided
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper, divided
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
3 cups beef stock
1 bottle (12 ounces) beer
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each ) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, drained
3 tablespoons masa harina
Optional: American cheese slices, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion and corn chips

Steps:

  • Combine chiles and enough boiling water to cover; let stand until softened, about 15 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/3 cup of the soaking liquid. Discard stems and seeds. Process chiles, tomato paste, garlic and reserved liquid until smooth. , In a small skillet, toast chili powder, paprika and cumin over medium heat until aromatic, 3-4 minutes; remove and set aside. In a Dutch oven, cook and stir ground beef and steak seasoning over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes; remove and drain. , Sprinkle steak cubes with 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. In same Dutch oven, brown beef in batches in 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat; remove and set aside. Saute onion and poblano pepper in the remaining 1 tablespoon oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in toasted spices, oregano and pepper flakes. Add the cooked meats along with stock, beer, tomatoes, beans, remaining salt and pepper, and chile paste mixture. Cook over medium heat 20 minutes; reduce heat to low. Stir in masa and simmer 30-45 minutes longer. Serve with desired toppings. Freeze option: Freeze cooled chili in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add a little broth or water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 473 calories, Fat 20g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 103mg cholesterol, Sodium 1554mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 41g protein.

EASY HOMEMADE CHILI



Easy Homemade Chili image

Easy homemade chili. Goes great with cornbread or over corn chips for a chili pie! I like to use spicy pinto beans.

Provided by Tobi Hargis

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes     Beef Chili Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans
1 ½ cups water
1 pinch chili powder
1 pinch garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the beef and onion and saute until meat is browned and onion is tender. Add the stewed tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, beans and water.
  • Season with the chili powder, garlic powder, salt and ground black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 394.2 calories, Carbohydrate 48.8 g, Cholesterol 45.9 mg, Fat 9.2 g, Fiber 17.9 g, Protein 30.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 525.6 mg, Sugar 4.4 g

THE BEST BOWL OF CHILI I'VE EVER HAD...



The Best Bowl of Chili I've Ever Had... image

I actually took 5 chili recipes and took out all the things I didn't like and kept all the things I did. This has become my very own version of the perfect bowl of chili!

Provided by Dee Licious

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 large chopped onion (yellow or white)
4 minced garlic cloves
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans kidney beans
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 (4 ounce) can chopped jalapenos
1 teaspoon Splenda sugar substitute (or sugar)
1 cup dark beer (Newcastle or ?)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican mix)
1/2 cup sour cream

Steps:

  • Cook ground beef in large frying pan.
  • While cooking, stir and chop beef with spatula to crumble.
  • Continue cooking for about 7 minutes or until the meat is brown and cooked through.
  • Add the onion, garlic, chili powder, salt, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and tabasco.
  • Cook while stirring, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer to large pot. Add the Kidney beans (juice and all), canned tomatoes (juice and all), the tomato paste, jalapenos (yep, juice and all), splenda (or sugar), and beer.
  • Stir well and bring to a boil.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Top individual bowls of chili with a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkle of cheese.

BEST CHILI EVER!



Best Chili Ever! image

Rachael's Recipe Notes: Yes, you are reading the ingredients correctly - fennel seed, ground cinnamon and unsweetened baking cocoa are what make this delicious! I make this in a 4 quart stainless steel pan on the stove top, but after sweating the onions and peppers and browning the meat, if you want to put this in a crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, it's just as good! If you like, you can add a can of diced tomatoes, undrained (15 to 16 ounces), at the same time you add the tomato paste. Sometimes my family likes the diced tomatoes, sometimes they don't. I serve this with homemade jalepeno cornbread and/or crispy tortilla strips.

Provided by Rachaels Kitchen Go

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 3h30m

Yield 3 quarts, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 teaspoon oil (I prefer olive)
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90% really tastes the best in this)
1 1/2 cups onions, coarsely chopped (I use vidalia or spanish)
1 small yellow bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 small red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
2 -3 tablespoons chili powder (more to taste if you like a good KICK!)
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon unsweetened baking cocoa
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (more to taste if you like it very hot!)
2 lbs beans (I use dark red kidney and pink beans or light red kidney beans, 15 to 16 ounces each can, drained an)
8 ounces green chilies, canned, chopped & undrained (4 ounces each)
3 cups water

Steps:

  • In a very large, deep pre-heated skillet, add olive oil, then add chopped onions and peppers. I also add a little bit of water to the pan (maybe tablespoon or two); cover and cook on medium-low heat, just until onions and peppers begin to sweat. Uncover and add ground beef, using spatula to break up chunks of meat. Cover and cook on low heat until meat is cooked through, about 20 minutes or so (I add a little water during the cooking process). While the meat is cooking, I add the chili powder. I start with 1 Tbsp., and add as I go.
  • Once the meat is browned, add the tomato paste, stirring to incorporate completely (I also add more water at this point, enough to make it start looking like chili, a nice, thick chili). Cover and cook on lower heat (slow simmer) for 30 minutes.
  • Add the 5 ingredients, stir to incorporate, cover and cook on low (at a slow simmer) for another 60 minutes.
  • Add beans and green chiles (including the "juice"), stirring to incorporate. At this point, add more water if you need to do so. Cover and cook on low (slow simmer) for another 40 minutes.
  • Total cooking time is about 2-1/2 to 3 hours on stovetop. I know this sounds like a long time, but it really needs that much time to simmer and let the flavors blend.
  • Serve with chopped red onion, sour cream, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar, colby and/or Jack cheese(s).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308.1, Fat 13.2, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 73.7, Sodium 580.2, Carbohydrate 22.7, Fiber 5.5, Sugar 11.4, Protein 27.3

AWARD WINNING CHILI



Award Winning Chili image

This delicious chili took 2nd place at our local chili cook-off! Bet you can't eat just one bowl. If it is too thick, add water 1/4 cup at a time until you reach desired consistency. Even better tasting the second day!

Provided by Jennifer

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes     Pork Chili Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 carrot, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
¼ cup white wine
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
⅓ cup bottled steak sauce
5 slices bacon
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 (1.25 ounce) package chili seasoning mix
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine tomatoes, tomato paste, carrot, onion, celery, wine, pepper flakes, bell peppers and steak sauce.
  • While tomato mixture is simmering, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels. Cook beef in bacon drippings until brown; drain. Stir chili seasoning into ground beef.
  • Stir seasoned beef, cumin and bacon into tomato mixture. Continue to simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.
  • Stir in beans, cilantro and parsley. Heat through and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373 calories, Carbohydrate 22.5 g, Cholesterol 64.2 mg, Fat 22.1 g, Fiber 6.1 g, Protein 21.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.9 g, Sodium 1168.9 mg, Sugar 6.7 g

GOOD, EASY TO MAKE HOMEMADE CHILI



Good, Easy to Make Homemade Chili image

This is my mother's recipe that she has perfected over the years. She has won many a chili competitions with it. It is very good reheated for lunches and snacks.

Provided by Noodles

Categories     Meat

Time 3h30m

Yield 12-15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2-2 lbs ground beef (for vegetarians you can substitute tofu for the ground beef and it turns out good.)
1 green pepper
1 onion
1 head garlic
4 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes or 4 (14 1/2 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chili beans
1/2 cup chili powder
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/16-1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on desired spicyness. don't add much more than this it gets real hot)
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Brown meat (drain grease).
  • Cut up vegetables.
  • Put everything in a pot and boil on stove around 3 hours covered(crock pots also work, but I've found it doesn't turn out as good. It is always better heated up the next day).
  • That's it.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of beans. This will give your chili a more complex flavor and texture. Try using a combination of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices. Chili is a great dish to experiment with different flavors. Try adding some cumin, oregano, or chili powder to your next batch.
  • Let your chili simmer for a while. The longer you simmer your chili, the better the flavors will develop. Try simmering it for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time.
  • Serve your chili with your favorite toppings. Chili is a great dish to serve with a variety of toppings. Try adding some sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped onions.

Conclusion:

Chili is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a chili recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give chili a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics