Ultimate Chili Recipe is the definition of comfort food. With rich ground beef, a blend of hearty beans, colorful bell peppers, and bold spices, this one-pot wonder brings unbeatable flavor and warmth to your table. Whether you’re cooking for game day, feeding a crowd, or freezing leftovers for busy weeknights, this chili is the only recipe you’ll ever need.
When the weather cools down, nothing beats a big bowl of chili. This Ultimate Chili Recipe is thick, flavorful, and brimming with texture from beans, vegetables, and beef. A balance of spice and savory goodness makes each spoonful deeply satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your heat preferences, and guaranteed to impress. Make it once and it’ll become your go-to for years.
Table of Contents
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot simplicity – fewer dishes, more flavor
- Customizable – swap the beans, spice it up, or make it vegetarian
- Meal prep friendly – tastes even better the next day
- Comforting & crowd-pleasing – perfect for potlucks or game day
- Nutrient-packed – loaded with fiber and protein
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Green onions
🔪 Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Dice onions, mince garlic, and chop peppers so everything is ready to go.
- Sauté the base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add beans and tomatoes: Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and chopped bell peppers.
- Season and simmer: Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cook low and slow: Reduce heat to low, partially cover the pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir occasionally.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Enjoy hot!
⏱ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6–8
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – ~1 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Sugar: 4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Swap beef for lentils or extra beans
- Add richness: A square of dark chocolate adds deep flavor
- Spice it up: Add cayenne, chipotle, or jalapeños
- Swap protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat
- Boost umami: Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire
🙋♀️ FAQs
Q: Can I freeze this chili?
Yes! Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Q: What’s the best bean combo?
Kidney and black beans are classic, but pinto, cannellini, or navy beans also work great.
Q: How do I thicken chili?
Simmer uncovered for an extra 10–15 minutes, or mash a few beans with a spoon and stir them in.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Sure! Use about 4 cups of chopped, ripe tomatoes. The chili will be slightly less thick but still delicious.
Q: How long does chili last in the fridge?
Up to 5 days in a sealed container. Reheat in a saucepan or microwave before serving.
🥖 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm cornbread or tortilla chips
- Pair with baked potatoes or rice for a hearty meal
- Add a squeeze of lime and avocado slices for a fresh twist
- Scoop with nachos for a chili-loaded snack
Ultimate Chili Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- – Cutting board and knife
- – Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- – 1 lb lean ground beef
- – 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained
- – 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained
- – 2 cans 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- – 1 medium onion diced
- – 3 garlic cloves minced
- – 2 tbsp chili powder
- – 2 tsp cumin
- – 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- ### Optional Toppings
- – Sour cream
- – Shredded cheddar cheese
- – Fresh cilantro
- – Sliced jalapeños
- – Green onions
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion; sauté 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute.
- Add beef; cook until browned (6–8 minutes). Drain fat.
- Add beans, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with toppings.
Notes
– Freezer-friendly and ideal for meal prep
– Simmer longer for deeper flavor
🍽 Conclusion
This Ultimate Chili Recipe checks every box—flavorful, hearty, easy, and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for casual family dinners, party menus, or a cozy night in. With bold spices and the perfect balance of beans and beef, this chili is bound to become a permanent favorite in your kitchen.