The Best Homemade Chili

Prepare to warm up with a bowl of The Best Homemade Chili, a robust and hearty dish that promises to deliver both warmth and flavor. This chili is packed with a complex blend of spices, savory bacon, and tender ground beef, simmered to perfection. It’s an ideal meal for chilly evenings or whenever you need a comforting, satisfying dish that feeds both body and soul.

With layers of texture from beans and tomatoes and a customizable level of heat, this chili stands out as a customizable favorite. Whether you prefer it mild or fiery, the recipe adapts easily to suit your taste buds, making it a perfect centerpiece for your next dinner.

The Best Homemade Chili: Rich and Flavorful

Serve this flavorful chili topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra touch of freshness. This hearty chili is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1.5 hours
Servings: 8
Equipment: Large non-stick Dutch oven or pot

The Best Homemade Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (raw) bacon, cut into small pieces
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4.5 tablespoons chili powder
• 1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1.5 tablespoons paprika
• 0.5 to 1.5 tablespoons chipotle powder (adjust according to spice preference)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne powder (optional, for extra heat)
• 3 pounds ground beef
• 1 can or bottle of beer (such as Coors Light)
• 1 – 14-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 – 14-ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 – 24-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 – 24-ounce can diced tomatoes

Directions:

1. In a large non-stick Dutch oven or pot, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until almost done.
2. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, chipotle powder, dried oregano, salt, and cayenne powder. Cook for a minute or two until the mixture becomes aromatic.
4. Add the ground beef to the pot with the bacon and vegetable mixture. Cook until the beef is no longer pink.
5. Pour in the beer and add the rinsed and drained beans, along with the crushed and diced tomatoes with their juice.
6. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if necessary to keep the chili from sticking.
7. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed after tasting.