Description
The Ultimate Chili Recipe is rich, flavorful, and packed with tender meat, beans, and a perfect blend of spices. Ideal for chili lovers looking for depth and complexity in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef chuck or short ribs, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches for deep flavor, then set aside.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Return the meat to the pot. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.
- Add crushed tomatoes and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until meat is tender and flavors are melded.
- Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with optional garnishes like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
Notes
For maximum flavor, let chili rest for a few hours or overnight. Add a splash of beer or coffee for extra depth. This chili is competition-level delicious!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: ultimate chili, best chili recipe, award-winning chili, hearty chili, slow-simmer chili