• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Food Blogging Resources
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Pip and Ebby

Recipe Index
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Main » Best Chili Recipe Ever

    Best Chili Recipe Ever

    Published: Apr 7, 2018 · Modified: Aug 30, 2021 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This is the best chili recipe ever! It is a contest winner, total crowd pleaser and the best version you’ll find. It is packed with flavor, texture and color. Make it for your next gathering, large or small, and you will get rave reviews. Add jalapenos for extra spice or go mild!

    Ladle full of chili recipe hovering over full slow cooker.

    Why This Recipe Works

    You have just found THE BEST classic beef chili recipe your lips will ever taste. That is a massive claim, I know, but you will soon agree! You are about to have either a very happy tummy, a very happy family, very happy guests or all of the above.

    My husband and I have been making this delicious soup for years. Together we have tweaked it many, many times and it is absolute comfort food perfection.

    We make this recipe frequently to enjoy on cold, snowy days and we also make it for larger gatherings like game-day parties or holiday feasts. We’ve never thrown a single morsel of it away because it always gets gobbled down in its entirety.

    It has the most perfect consistency and the flavor is beyond explanation (gotta taste for yourself!). This classic chili recipe is a GREAT quick and easy comforting soup!

    If you absolutely cannot find a chunk of time to make this delicious dish, consider trying my Easy 5-Ingredient Chili for a much-condensed version. ENJOY!

    Helping you remove stress from your holiday menu planning!

    Check out my FAVORITE easy, tried-and-true holiday recipes here on the blog in one handy gallery.

    Say goodbye to endless internet browsing and hello to easy, delicious recipes!

    More Ground Beef Recipes

    If you have extra ground beef on your hands, browse through this comprehensive roundup of delicious ground beef recipes!

    Chili Ingredients

    Collage of chili ingredients.

    Ground beef – To keep this chili on the leaner side, use ground turkey, ground chicken or lean ground beef. To add a delicious flavor, replace 1 pound of ground beef with 1 pound of ground sausage.

    Jalapeno peppers – Although the end result is not “spicy,” omit the jalapenos and cayenne pepper to ensure a totally mild soup.

    Tomato juice – For a thicker chili, use half the amount of tomato juice in the recipe.

    Beans – While red kidney beans and pinto beans are super tasty inside, feel free to swap out any variety of beans.

    Toppings – Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, cilantro, chopped red onion or crushed saltine crackers.

    Check out our web stories to see Pip and Ebby “recipes in action!”

    Delicious Dinners

    • Best Meatloaf
    • Runza Casserole
    • Crockpot Mac and Cheese
    • Goulash
    • Shrimp Tacos

    How To Make The Best Chili on Earth

    Step 1

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook 2 pounds lean ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Transfer the meat to a bowl. Drain the excess fat from the skillet, but do not clean it out.

    pan of cooked ground beef

    Step 2

    Add the olive oil to the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onions, green bell pepper, garlic, parsley and jalapeño peppers (if using) and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).

    Chili ingredients in pan ready to be cooked.

    Remove the pan from the heat and add the chili seasoning ingredients to the beef mixture: 3 tablespoons chili powder, cumin, sugar, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Stir until combined.

    Spices on top of peppers and onions in skillet.

    Step 3

    If you are cooking it on the stove top, add the cooked meat back to the skillet. If you’re using a slow cooker, add the meat-veggie mixture to the slow cooker.

    Add the tomato juice (replace a portion of the juice with 2-3 cups beef broth to add a kick of flavor, if desired), diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans and pinto beans to either the skillet or slow cooker, depending on which you are using.

    Chili ingredients in a crockpot ready to be cooked.

    On the stove top, bring to a boil, dial the heat back to medium-low and let the chili cook for 2 hours (stir occasionally). In the slow cooker, cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours.

    Web Story For This Recipe

    Check out this chili recipe in action!

    What To Serve With Chili

    Cornbread is a great option to serve alongside this bowl of comfort. Dinner rolls, chopped salad and garlic bread taste delicious, too!

    Chili Dinner Ideas

    Chili dinners are the best in those cold winter months! If you are looking to round out your meal, peruse this roundup for ideas about what to serve as appetizers for chili dinner.

    How To Thicken Chili

    If you make a delicious batch and find that it is not thick enough for your liking, we have some simple methods that will fix it! Read on for tips about how to thicken chili.

    How Long Does Chili Last In The Fridge

    If you are wondering how long chili lasts in the fridge or if your batch is still fresh, click over for all the info!

    Best Bean Substitutes

    Whether you can’t eat beans or you just don’t have any on hand, learn what to substitute for beans in chili!

    Recipe Notes

    • Serve warm with cheese and sour cream! Other great topping options include sliced green onions, avocados, crushed tortilla chips or minced jalapenos (give your meal a nice kick!).
    • This is more of a soupy chili recipe, so in order to thicken, replace the diced tomatoes with crushed tomatoes and reduce the amount of tomato juice by half.
    • For a more Mexican flair, replace some or all of the beans with black beans.
    • Make the dish heartier by adding diced potatoes or another hearty vegetable such as carrots.
    • Add a few tablespoons of tomato paste for an extra robust flavor.

    How To Make Chili In An Instant Pot

    This comforting meal turns out like absolute perfection when made in an Instant Pot. Head over to my Instant Pot Chili post to get the full instructions!

    FAQ About Chili

    Why chili is hot?

    The ingredients in chili that typically make it spicy are chili powder, peppers and pepper (or cayenne pepper). To decrease the amount of heat in the recipe, reduce the amount of chili powder used and omit peppers (aside from bell peppers, which are very mild) and cayenne or ground black pepper.

    What to top chili with?

    A bowl of chili is the perfect template for delicious toppings! Consider any or all of the following: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions or oyster or saltine crackers.

    What to serve with chili?

    Serve chili warm with a bit of shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. A few good options to serve alongside it include chopped salad, dinner rolls and cornbread.

    Can chili be frozen?

    Chili lasts up to 5 days in the fridge after it has been cooked and cooled. Beyond this timeframe, chili will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. Store in an airtight container or double-bagged freezer bags.

    What To Do With Chili Leftovers

    If you have leftovers (and it’s very possible that you will because this makes a large batch), please check out these delicious recipes to help use them up:

    • Baked Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
    • Best Ever Chili Dogs recipe
    • Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
    • Chili-Topped Baked Potatoes

    How To Make Hot Dog Chili Sauce

    Don’t use any old chili recipe to pile on top of hot dogs. This delicious recipe details how to make hot dog beef chili sauce so the consistency is just right!

    More Chili Recipes

    • Best Healthy Turkey Chili
    • Instant Pot Turkey Chili
    • Chili Mac

    Chili Dinner Ideas – Recipes and Sides!

    Click over for chili dinner recipe ideas with a variety of recipes and side dish recommendations, as well. Or use this post as your guide for dinner ideas using leftover chili so nothing goes to waste.

    Mac and Cheese Recipes for Thanksgiving – 13 Delicious Ideas!

    Mac and cheese is a Thanksgiving staple! Read on for some scrumptious mac and cheese recipes for Thanksgiving that you can make this year! You’ll find a ton of options to choose from in this roundup.

    Looking down into a full and hearty bowl of chili topped with jalapeno slices and sour cream.

    What People Are Saying About This Recipe

    “I will NEVER make another chili recipe in my life again!! This is so good! I absolutely hate cooking and all the prep so the first time I made this I told myself I would never again do it. It was so good that it was worth the chopping up of a few veggies and measuring of a bunch of spices. I make it at least 2-3 times every fall/winter now!“ ~ASHLEY

    “This IS THE BEST Chili! This recipe has been on rotation in my home for awhile now. Everyone raves about how it IS the BEST chili they be ever had! Thank you for sharing this with us! “ ~SARA

    The Best Chili on Earth

    This is the best chili recipe in the world! A contest winner, crowd pleaser and the best chili you’ll find, it will get rave reviews!
    5 from 104 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 8 hours
    Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 391kcal
    Author: Megan Porta

    Equipment

    • Slow Cooker

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs ground beef
    • 4 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 yellow onion chopped
    • 1 green bell pepper chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1/4 cup flat-leaf Italian parsley finely chopped
    • 2 jalapeño peppers finely chopped (optional)
    • 3 tbsp chili powder
    • 2 tsp cumin
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • 1 tsp oregano
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp pepper
    • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
    • 46 oz tomato juice
    • 28 oz diced tomatoes
    • 15 oz tomato sauce
    • 16 oz kidney beans drained and rinsed
    • 16 oz pinto beans drained and rinsed
    • Shredded cheese and sour cream for topping

    Instructions

    • In a large skillet, cook ground meat over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Transfer the meat to a bowl. Drain excess grease from skillet, but do not clean.
    • Add the olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, parsley and jalapeño peppers (if using) and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Stir until combined.
    • If cooking on the stove top, add the cooked meat back to the skillet. If using a slow cooker, add meat-veggie mixture to the slow cooker. Add the tomato juice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans and pinto beans to either the skillet or slow cooker, depending on which you are using.
    • On the stove top, bring to a boil, dial back to medium-low and simmer for 2 hours (stir occasionally). In slow cooker, cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. Serve warm with cheese and sour cream.

    Notes

    • Serve warm with cheese and sour cream! Other great topping options include sliced green onions or minced jalapenos (give your meal a nice kick!).
    • For a thicker chili, replace the diced tomatoes with crushed tomatoes and reduce the amount of tomato juice by half.
    • To keep this chili on the leaner side, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
    • To add a delicious flavor to the recipe, replace 1 pound of ground beef with 1 pound of ground sausage.
    • For a different flavor, replace some or all of the beans with black beans.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 484mg | Potassium: 1108mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1504IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 6mg
    Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!
    « Cake Truffles Recipe
    Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Frosting {VIDEO} »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Liz

      January 12, 2023 at 2:01 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve used this recipe for years and years and will forever use it! I always get “best chili” comments when I make for family and friends and my kids actually eat it!!!

      Reply
    2. Kim Bailey

      December 05, 2022 at 10:18 pm

      5 stars
      This is by far the best chili recipe ever! So delicious!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        December 05, 2022 at 11:30 pm

        Thank you, Kim. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    3. Melissa

      November 29, 2022 at 2:11 pm

      Absolute best love it do half Italian sausage / half beef .. once did spice Italian so good but prefer regular lol. Always a crowd pleaser and makes a ton. I do add a couple ribs of celery as well otherwise follow to a T!

      Reply
    4. Gail

      October 17, 2022 at 3:59 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! I have made it many times and it always disappears. I do not change a thing other than I use my own dry beans from my garden. I love the use of the tomato juice in this. Absolutely genius! This is hands down my favorite! Thank you for sharing it.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        October 18, 2022 at 6:03 pm

        That’s so cool that you use your own beans. Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    5. Tifftastic

      October 16, 2022 at 2:52 pm

      I used this recipe for a chili cook off and WON! it was a random invite, searched for the worlds best chili. Not only did the whole party vote for this, I continue to use this recipe because even my picky children enjoy this recipe. Wins all around!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        October 17, 2022 at 9:46 am

        That happened to me as well! So glad you won and are enjoying it with your family.

        Reply
    6. Ashley yvonne

      October 09, 2022 at 1:13 pm

      5 stars
      The only recipe I use for chili. Seriously is a game changer! The problem is, after eating this recipe, I am super picky about my chili now!

      Reply
    7. Chickennipple

      March 31, 2022 at 7:13 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe as a fantastic base to work with. I add black beans in addition to the pinto and kidney. I also chop up and add a pork shoulder that I smoke with my homemade Memphis dry rub. I make a double batch and it disappears ridiculously fast!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        April 01, 2022 at 10:44 pm

        Oh I can imagine that does disappear fast – sounds delicious! I love the pork shoulder and the dry run. Thanks for sharing that tip with us!

        Reply
    8. Lois O

      March 24, 2022 at 4:21 am

      I’ve been using this recipe for about 3 years now! It is basic but soooo good. It is the only one I use. I think the big changer for me was using pinto beans instead of ‘chili beans’. The flavoring from those canned beans over powers anything else you do. Doing it with pinto beans let’s you control the flavor the ways you want.
      Love it. Thank you. So happy I found this. I always get compliments on my chili!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        March 28, 2022 at 10:18 pm

        It’s so fun to find a recipe you like and then tweak it to your personal preferences. I’m so glad you did. Thank you for commenting, Lois!

        Reply
    9. Adrianne

      March 13, 2022 at 9:13 am

      My favorite chili recipe! How can I adapt for uncooked dry beans? Trying to cut back on sodium.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        March 14, 2022 at 10:42 pm

        It’s a great question Adrianne but I’ve never prepared my meals with uncooked dry beans so I’m not an expert in this. But I have read online that you have to cook them ahead and then add them, you can’t cook them in the chili to get them soft.

        Reply
    10. Shelley

      February 13, 2022 at 9:32 pm

      5 stars
      I found this recipe and pinned it a few years ago, This is the only recipe I use and get so many compliments! I use ground turkey and my 15 y/o one time suggested to throw chopped in some turkey Kielbasa in it too and it was delish!

      Reply
    11. Ellie

      February 13, 2022 at 6:20 pm

      5 stars
      This is by far the best chili recipe out there, and the only one I use. Everyone that has tried it agrees and demands that I share your recipe with them! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        February 14, 2022 at 5:41 pm

        Thank you, Ellie for sharing that! That made my day. I’m so glad it’s enjoyed!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Megan and I am so happy you are here! Whether you are looking for a healthy salad, easy dinner or indulgent dessert, I've got you covered! Let's dig deeper →

    Web Stories Library

    Dominate Your Instant Pot!

    Food Blogging Resources

    Desserts For Fall

    cropped-0818OreoBalls511B9431post.jpg

    3 Ingredient No Bake Oreo Balls Recipe

    What to Make With Pumpkin Puree – 10 ideas!

    Homemade Butterfingers Recipe

    Baked Apple Slices With Cinnamon Recipe

    Blueberry Baked Cheesecake Recipe with Peaches

    Cinco de Mayo Dessert Recipes – 25 delicious ideas!

    Comforting Soups

    Easy Crab Soup Recipe

    Ham Bone Bean Soup With Potatoes

    How Long Does Chili Last In The Fridge

    Substitute For Beans In Chili – 9 Options!

    How Long Does Potato Soup Last In The Fridge

    Easy Chili Recipe

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    As Featured In

    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 Pip and Ebby on the Foodie Pro Theme