Perfect Best Chili Recipe: Comforting & Delicious!

Do you ever have those days where the 5 PM panic hits HARD? The kids are hangry, you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, and takeout starts sounding REALLY good? I feel you, mama! That’s why I rely on my Best Chili Recipe.

This Best Chili Recipe is my ultimate sanity-saver. It’s warm, comforting, and everyone in my family actually eats it (a total win!). I remember the first time I made it. It was a chilly fall evening, the kids were fighting over Legos, and I needed something quick and easy. This Best Chili Recipe saved the day and has been a family staple ever since.

It’s not fancy, but it’s real. It fits into the beautiful chaos of our lives. And honestly? It tastes amazing. I’m so excited to share my easy Best Chili Recipe with you! Let’s get cooking, kitchen warriors!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Best Chili Recipe ingredient list is short because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! No worries if you don’t have pinto beans – I use great northern beans all the time in my Best Chili Recipe.

• 1 pound ground beef: You can also use ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onions work great.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: I buy the pre-minced stuff sometimes to save time. No shame!
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: I usually grab these at Target while doing my regular grocery run.
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Black beans work too!
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: I sometimes use a mix of beans I have on hand.
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Adds a rich flavor to our Best Chili Recipe.
• 1 packet chili seasoning: Or make your own.
• 1 cup beef broth: Chicken broth works in a pinch.
• Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado.

Here’s a Best Chili Recipe trick that saved my sanity: double the batch and freeze half for another night! This Best Chili Recipe doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for store-brand ingredients – they taste just as good!

My family loves when I add extra cheese on top of our Best Chili Recipe.

Let’s Make It Happen!

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Don’t forget to break it up into small pieces!
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, tomato paste, chili seasoning, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer. This is the heart of our Best Chili Recipe.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld! Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder for extra heat, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Now is the time to make this Best Chili Recipe your own.
6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings! Enjoy your amazing Best Chili Recipe.

In my chaotic kitchen, this Best Chili Recipe usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Here’s where I used to mess up my Best Chili Recipe – don’t make my mistake! Make sure you drain the beef grease. It makes a huge difference!

While your Best Chili Recipe is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Don’t panic if your Best Chili Recipe looks a little watery at first. It will thicken up as it simmers. If you want to use a slow cooker, check out Crockpot Vegetarian Chili – Real Food Whole Life for more ideas.

How We Love to Eat This!

My family loves this Best Chili Recipe served in bowls with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. The kids devour this Best Chili Recipe when I serve it with cornbread. It’s the perfect sweet and savory combo!

This Best Chili Recipe is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend gathering. We also love it for potlucks! I like to serve this easy Best Chili Recipe with a simple side salad. It adds a little freshness to the meal.

Leftover Best Chili Recipe is fantastic for lunch the next day. You can even use it to make chili cheese fries or top a baked potato! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out sausage pasta skillet.

This Best Chili Recipe reminds me of another family favorite, my crockpot cinnamon applesauce, warm comfort food at its best!

This is truly the Best Chili Recipe for those crazy weeknight dinners! It’s also a hit at tailgates or game-day parties.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Can my picky eater handle this Best Chili Recipe?

Yes! Start with a small amount and let them add their own toppings. You can also reduce the amount of chili seasoning to make it milder. My youngest used to pick out the beans, but now she loves it!

What if I burn my Best Chili Recipe? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Don’t panic! If it’s just a little bit burnt on the bottom, carefully transfer the unburnt chili to a new pot. Add a little extra broth and simmer on low. We’ve all been there!

Can I make this Best Chili Recipe ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Best Chili Recipe actually tastes better the next day. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

What are some vegetarian options for this Best Chili Recipe?

You can easily make this a vegetarian chili by using plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef. I also like to add extra veggies like bell peppers and corn. For more inspiration, check out Award Winning Vegetarian Chili – Crock Pot.

Can I use a slow cooker for this Best Chili Recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Brown the ground beef and onions as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!

What if I don’t have all the ingredients?

Don’t stress! Use what you have on hand. Swap out the beans, use chicken broth instead of beef broth, or add different veggies. The beauty of this Best Chili Recipe is that it’s very forgiving.

Can I add quinoa to this Best Chili Recipe?

Yes, you can! Add about 1/2 cup of rinsed quinoa to the pot along with the other ingredients. It will add a boost of protein and fiber. Also, I suggest Vegan Chili (Slow Cooker) – Jessica in the Kitchen for more ways.

Final Thoughts

This Best Chili Recipe is special to my family because it’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect meal to gather around the table and enjoy each other’s company. Here are my Best Chili Recipe Mom Hacks:

• Double the Batch: Always make extra to freeze for busy weeknights.
• Topping Bar: Let the kids customize their own bowls with their favorite toppings.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Use your slow cooker for an easy, hands-off meal.

Here are some family-tested variations for our Best Chili Recipe:

• Spicy Mama’s Chili: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
• Sweet & Savory Chili: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar and a can of drained corn.
• White Chicken Chili: Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef and add white beans and green chiles.

My kids love the sweet and savory chili, while my husband prefers the spicy version. I hope you try this Best Chili Recipe and make it your own! Add your favorite ingredients, adjust the seasonings, and create a chili that your family will love.

Cooking for a family can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I believe in you, kitchen warrior! You’ve got this! For another guaranteed family favourite, check out my pretzel crusted chicken.

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