The Best Chili

This really is the best chili recipe that I have ever made and eaten. It’s super meaty, hearty, full of beans and flavor. You will need this recipe for a potluck or just because you need a really delicious chili recipe. That’s why I call it THE BEST Chili. It’s my favorite chili recipe.

CLASSIC HOMEMADE CHILI

A basic chili recipe is very important to have in the recipe files! This is a no-nonsense chili with meat and beans, that’s super flavorful but really simple and easy to make. You can always substitute ground turkey to make it turkey chili, or leave the meat out altogether (and add more beans) to make a vegetarian chili. That’s the great thing about this BEST CHILI, it’s all delicious!

Chili is also great served over a baked potato or pasta, like this Crock Pot Cincinnati Chili Recipe.

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We like to serve The BEST CHILI with these honey cornbread muffins or my sweet corn spoonbread.  These magic bars make a great dessert.

 

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This chili recipe is so perfect for a crowd. I love chili with beans and lots of toppings such as Cheddar cheese, sour cream, onions, chips, and salsa. Choose what you like on your chili. Just set out toppings next to the big pot of chili and let your family or guests be as creative as they like!

Check out my YOUTUBE video for easy to follow instructions. Follow me on YOUTUBE.

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Some people prefer chili without beans if that is you, just leave them out, it’s really your choice. The spices in this chili are just perfect and warm your bones. The beef makes this a hearty meal that will be loved by all. Friends were asking for the recipe for their next potluck. 

Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 lb ground beef
• 29 oz. Tomato puree
• 40 oz. Chili beans
• • 1 cup of frozen corn
• 10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilis
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 tbsp jalapeno, seeded and diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves
• toppings: green onion, cheddar cheese, nacho chips, sour cream

In a large pot, fry ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, chili powder, salt, and cumin together until browned.

Add corn, red onion, tomatoes, tomato puree, chili beans, jalapeno, and chopped basil leaves. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring frequently.

Serve with chopped green onion, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, nacho chips, and additional diced jalapeno.

Make a double batch and freeze some for later, and make sure to add it to this week’s meal plan!

Is BEST CHILI Healthy?

Whether something is healthy will obviously depend on your individual dietary needs. This BEST CHILI is full of protein from the beef and beans, fiber from the vegetables and beans, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and spices.

If you’re looking for a way to make a lighter version of our chili, try substituting ground chicken or turkey for the beef.  Like this, delicious chicken chili, or healthy ground turkey chili recipe you could check out!

Preparation

Can I make this BEST CHILI in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this BEST CHILI in a slow cooker. Make sure to use an 8 quart or larger cooker.  If your slow cooker is smaller, halve the recipe.

To make in a slow cooker, add all ingredients, cover, and cook on high for 4 – 6 hours or low for 8 – 10 hours.

Can I make this BEST CHILI in an Instant Pot?

Yes, to prepare in an Instapot, first, make sure you’re using an 8 quart or larger cooker (you need to be sure everything fits below the fill line).  If your slow cooker is smaller, halve the recipe.

Turn the cooker to saute and brown the meat, then drain it.  Add remaining ingredients, stir well, and cover.  Turn knob to ‘sealing’, and set the device on manual for 30 minutes.  Allow a natural pressure release, then enjoy it!

Storage

How long does chili last?

Chili will last about 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator or indefinitely in the freezer.  Make sure to store in a well-sealed container for best results.

Can BEST CHILI recipe be frozen?

Yes, it can be frozen. This recipe makes 6 servings, it can be doubled as well. It also freezes well. We have been known to eat half for dinner and save the other half for another dinner.

To freeze, allow chili to come to room temperature, then portion into freezer-safe containers (making sure to leave a few inches of headroom), and freeze.  It will last up to three months in an upright freezer, and as long as six months in a deep freezer before the flavor and texture begins to dissipate.

It will continue to be safe to eat so long as it is consistently maintained at a temperature below freezing.

Can You Freeze Leftover Chili?

Yes. Chili is a great recipe to make in bulk and freeze for future meals.

You can thaw and reheat it in the microwave, or thaw it in the microwave and reheat on the stovetop.

Helpful Tips and Tricks!

Stir chili periodically and get the big soup spoon all the way to the bottom to make sure none of the BEST CHILI is sticking to the bottom of the pot.  If the chili is sticking, reduce heat further.

This recipe should be simmered, not boiled.  Boiling will make the chili stick to the bottom of the pot. Simmering is just a few small bubbles coming to the surface, versus boiling which is lots of rapid bubbles.

If you prefer it spicy, add some chipotle seasoning, chili powder, or a handful of fresh chopped jalapenos (or all of them!).  I personally like to spice my personal bowl after it’s done cooking with a generous splash of Cholula Hot sauce.

If your chili seems too thick or is sticking to the bottom, turn the heat down and stir in a cup of water at a time until it reaches the thickness you are looking for.

What to serve with BEST CHILI?

To complete the meal, we like to enjoy this BEST CHILI with a big salad (like this Kale and Wild Rice Salad, or even an easy cobb salad).  I always make a batch of cornbread muffins, and since there’s something special about chili and cookies, we like to top things off with our Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies!

More game day recipes that we love:

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Easy Football Snacks

Low Carb Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Dip

More recipes with ground beef:

Easy Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

Easy Lasagna

Cheesy Taco Pasta

Beer Can Burgers

Southwest Burger

Make sure to check out all our ground beef recipe ideas!

Nettie Moore is the cook, baker, photographer, and designer behind Moore or Less Cooking Food Blog. Nettie is a self-trained cook and baker. She loves creating easy recipes that don’t call for a lot of unknown ingredients. Nettie’s Blueberry Skillet Cake has been featured in Taste Of Home Magazine and her Peach Raspberry Pie has won awards! 

She was born and raised in Southern California and now calls New England her home, where she lives with her husband and two children. Follow Nettie on her blog, Moore or Less Cooking, or here: FACEBOOK | TWITTER| PINTEREST | BLOGLOVIN |INSTAGRAM

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