Best Chili Recipe ()

Best Chili Recipe

This chili recipe is hearty, bold, and packed with rich beef flavor. It balances heat and warmth perfectly without overwhelming the palate. Whether you prefer slow cooker, no-bean, or instant pot variations, this base recipe delivers exceptional results. Simmered low and slow, it’s ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or game days.

Best Chili Recipe ()
Best Chili Recipe ()

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 Anaheim chile pepper, chopped
  • 2 red jalapeño peppers, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pinch garlic powder
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 1 (12-ounce) can or bottle light beer
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed 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
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion, bell pepper, Anaheim pepper, jalapeños, and garlic until softened.
  2. In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef until crumbly. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, bouillon cubes, and beer. Cook until heated through.
  3. Transfer the beef mixture into the pot with the vegetables.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, chipotle pepper sauce, basil, paprika, salt, oregano, and black pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add kidney beans and continue simmering for 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
  7. Blend sour cream, cilantro, and remaining cumin until smooth. Serve on top of the chili or on the side.
Best Chili Recipe ()
Best Chili Recipe ()

Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Additional Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 servings