If you’re searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds, The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!) is the answer you’ve been looking for. This chili brings together smoky bacon, tender beef, zesty veggies, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a bold blend of spices into one magic pot that simmers away and only gets more flavorful by the minute. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, game day, or a friendly cook-off, expect serious compliments and empty bowls!

The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!) is that it requires simple ingredients—each with an important role. From the savory bacon to the vibrant veggies and layers of spice, every component brings flavor, color, or that wonderful chili texture.

Bacon: Adds smoky depth and a hint of richness to balance the spices.
Yellow onion: Gives a sweet and aromatic base that forms the backbone of the chili’s flavor.
Red bell pepper: Delivers a pop of sweetness and a beautiful red color.
Garlic: For a punch of savory depth—always use fresh for the most flavor!
Ground beef: Provides hearty substance; choose 90% lean or your favorite blend.
Brown sugar: Balances acidity and brings out the complexity in the spices.
Chili powder: The essential chili flavor—be generous!
Ancho chili powder: Adds a subtle smokiness and deeper chili essence.
Smoked paprika: Layers on extra warmth and a touch of smokiness.
Cumin: Brings earthy spice that you just can’t skip in chili!
Onion powder: Intensifies the onion background, working with the fresh onion.
Ground black pepper: For just the right amount of kick.
Salt: Heightens all the other flavors—season to taste.
Cayenne pepper: For those who love a little lingering heat (adjust to your daring!).
Beef broth: Adds richness and brings the chili together into the hearty stew we love.
Dark red kidney beans: Classic texture and flavor—lightly rinsed keeps the depth but reduces excess salt.
Black beans: Creamy and satisfying, plus great color contrast in your bowl.
Diced fire roasted tomatoes: Infuse the chili with a smoky, slightly sweet tomato base.
Fire roasted green chilis: For a tangy, mildly spicy twist (don’t skip them!).
Tomato paste: Thickens and intensifies the sauce for the perfect chili consistency.
Worcestershire sauce: Secret ingredient alert—adds rich umami depth you’ll love.
Preferred toppings (sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips): The finishing touch that turns your chili into a showstopper.

How to Make The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!)

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start by adding your chopped uncooked bacon to a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat until those little pieces are golden, crispy, and oh-so-irresistible! Once done, scoop them onto a plate lined with paper towels, but don’t toss away that flavor-packed bacon grease. Leave about 1 ½ tablespoons in the pot to give the chili base unbeatable taste.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

With the bacon aroma in the air, toss in your diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, just until tender and fragrant—the veggies will soak up all that savory goodness and start building the rich foundation of your chili.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Now, tip in the minced garlic and let it cook for only 30 seconds or so. Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving! When you smell that burst of garlicky aroma, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 4: Brown the Beef and Add Spices

Add your ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Once it’s about halfway done (roughly 50% browned), sprinkle in the brown sugar, both types of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and that touch of cayenne. Stir everything together, letting the beef soak in those bold, layered flavors.

Step 5: Pour in the Rest

The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!) comes together now! Stir in your beef broth, kidney beans, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), green chilis, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and—of course—the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. Stir thoroughly to combine all that goodness.

Step 6: Bring to a Boil

Raise the heat and bring your chili to a gentle boil. Let it bubble for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often so nothing sticks or scorches. This quick boil helps meld all the flavors.

Step 7: Simmer for Maximum Flavor

Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally. This is when The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!) truly shines—every minute of simmering makes it richer, heartier, and more deeply flavored.

Step 8: Serve with Favorite Toppings

Spoon into bowls and let everyone customize theirs with plenty of sour cream, a generous sprinkling of cheddar cheese, and a crunchy handful of corn chips. These toppings give the chili the perfect creamy, cheesy, and crunchy finish.

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!)

Garnishes

Toppings aren’t just the finishing touch—they’re half the fun! A dollop of cool sour cream, plenty of shredded cheddar, a scattering of green onions, and the all-important crispy corn chips turn every bowl of The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!) into a customizable comfort food masterpiece.

Side Dishes

If you ask me, the classic trio of warm, buttered cornbread, a tangy simple slaw, or even a green salad makes the perfect plate alongside this chili. And for the true fans, serve with fluffy white rice or a baked potato for a real Texan feast!

Creative Ways to Present

Take your chili night up a notch by serving it in warm bread bowls, over crispy waffle fries, or spooned onto nachos for a craveable game day treat. Mini chili cups for parties? Absolutely! The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!) is as versatile as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chili is liquid gold! Store any remaining chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers arguably even better.

Freezing

The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!) is freezer friendly, so don’t be afraid to double the batch. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. This way, future you has a no-fuss dinner ready to go.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your chili on the stove over medium heat, stirring often, until hot and bubbly. For single servings, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If your chili’s too thick, splash in a bit of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!) in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After frying the bacon and browning the beef and veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker, add remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (or on high for 3 to 4 hours). The slow simmer brings out even more flavor.

Is this chili very spicy?

By default, The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!) has a balanced warmth from the spices—just a touch of cayenne for heat. If you prefer mild chili, simply skip or reduce the cayenne. To fire things up, add more or sneak in some chopped jalapeño.

What’s the best way to thicken my chili if it’s too thin?

If your chili is a bit runnier than you’d like, just let it simmer uncovered a little longer to let the liquid reduce. Alternatively, stir in a bit more tomato paste or even mash some of the beans to instantly thicken things up.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Definitely! Ground turkey makes a delicious swap for beef and is just as hearty. You might want to add a splash more broth since turkey can be leaner, but the end result still qualifies as The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!) in my book.

What toppings go best with this chili?

You can’t go wrong with sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and corn chips—those are the classics. Diced avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime are also fantastic for extra zing and color.

Final Thoughts

Once you try The Best Chili Recipe (Award Winning!), it really does become a staple for every season—from cold winter nights to backyard summer parties. Take a chance, make a big pot, and let this chili become your family’s new legend. I truly can’t wait for you to taste just how good homemade chili can be!