The Best Homemade Chili Recipe

This Best Homemade Chili Recipe is a must-try for chili lovers! Packed with flavor from crispy bacon, tender ground beef, and a variety of beans, this chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food. With the perfect blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper, it’s easy to customize the heat level to your preference. This hearty, one-pot meal is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it in a Dutch oven or slow cooker, this recipe is quick, easy, and delicious. Serve with your favorite chili toppings for the perfect meal!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (seeds and core removed)
• 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
• 2 carrots, minced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes with basil
• 3 (15 oz) cans of beans (1 red kidney, 1 black, 1 pinto), drained and rinsed
• 3 cups beef broth (or 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup pilsner beer)

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, fry the chopped bacon until crispy, stirring frequently. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
2. Leave the bacon grease in the pan and add the yellow onion, bell peppers, jalapeno, and carrots. Sauté until softened and almost caramelized, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Try to keep the beef in larger chunks for a heartier texture.
4. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the tomato paste and stir to break it up into the meat. Cook for about 2 minutes, then add the crushed tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Stir in the cooked bacon, beans, and broth (and beer, if using). Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the chili becomes too thick, add more broth as needed.
7. Scoop the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Chili is packed with rich flavors from crispy bacon, tender ground beef, and a perfect blend of spices. The addition of hearty beans and vegetables makes it filling and satisfying. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, this chili can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Tips

• Beef: If you prefer leaner chili, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• Make it spicier: Add more cayenne pepper or a diced hot pepper for extra heat.
• Slow cooker option: After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Consistency: If you like your chili thicker, let it simmer longer, or add less broth.

Variations and Substitutions

• Beer: Pilsner beer adds depth to the flavor, but you can substitute with more beef broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• Beans: Swap out the suggested beans for your favorites, like black-eyed peas or garbanzo beans.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and beef and use a mix of beans like kidney, black beans, and chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian chili.
• Toppings: Customize with sour cream, shredded cheese, jalapenos, or chopped cilantro.

FAQs

• Can I make this chili ahead of time? Yes, chili often tastes even better the next day. Let it cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Chili freezes very well for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• What if I don’t have a Dutch oven? You can use a regular large pot or skillet, just make sure it has a lid to help the chili simmer properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this homemade chili with a side of cornbread, over rice, or with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or green onions for added flavor. It’s also great as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.

Enjoy your hearty, flavorful homemade chili!