If you crave a show-stopping bowl of comfort, look no further than Ultimate Chili. This deeply flavorful recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, meaty goodness and a medley of tender beans simmered with generous spices. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for game day or meal-prepping hearty weeknight dinners, every spoonful is jam-packed with savory magic. Bookmark this one: Ultimate Chili is about to become your new go-to, cold-weather hero!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Ultimate Chili is about simple pantry staples coming together for maximum flavor payoff. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding layers of taste, color, and the kind of satisfying texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Olive oil: A couple of tablespoons provide a rich base for browning the meat and softening vegetables.
Ground beef (or half beef and half pork): 1 1/2 pounds creates that classic, hearty body, and mixing in pork adds juiciness.
Onion: Diced onion infuses a natural sweetness and irresistible savory aroma.
Green bell pepper: Adds fresh crunch and a subtle, vegetal sweetness.
Red bell pepper: Lends beautiful color and a hint of fruity flavor.
Garlic: Three minced cloves deepen the savory backbone of the chili.
Kidney beans: These sturdy beans soak up the spices and provide hearty texture.
Black beans: Add creaminess and extra protein power.
Diced tomatoes: Two cans ensure a saucy, slightly chunky base.
Tomato paste: A small can introduces natural sweetness and extra thickness.
Beef broth: Rounds out the flavors and keeps things perfectly saucy.
Chili powder: The bold spice blend that does the heavy lifting; don’t be shy!
Ground cumin: Adds an earthy, nutty undertone that makes chili… taste like chili.
Smoked paprika: Brings in a wonderful smokiness; totally worth seeking out.
Dried oregano: Just enough to lend a little herbal lift above the richness.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a little (or a lot) of kick.
Worcestershire sauce: A splash offers depth and umami you’ll absolutely notice.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste and let the other flavors shine.
Chopped green onions & shredded cheddar: The perfect, fresh and cheesy finishing touches for serving.

How to Make Ultimate Chili

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating the olive oil in a big, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or your tasty beef and pork combo) and break it up with a spoon. Let it brown and cook through for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally for maximum caramelization. If there’s excess fat, just drain it, but keep enough for moisture and flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and garlic right on top of the browned meat. Stir and cook these together for 5-6 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant. This short step layers in tons of flavor and releases a comforting aroma that will make your kitchen irresistible.

Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes

Now it’s time to transform your pot into the base of Ultimate Chili: add both kinds of drained beans, the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. This is where the chili really starts to take shape, blending textures and deepening the broth.

Step 4: Spice Things Up

It’s spice party time! Add in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you like it hot. Splash in the Worcestershire sauce, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir; you’ll see the rich color and smell the incredible aroma all at once.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a steady simmer. Leave the pot uncovered and let it bubble away for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally, and watch as it thickens and the flavors meld. Taste and adjust with more seasoning if needed—it’s all about building that unforgettable Ultimate Chili taste. For a fun twist, try adding a splash of beer or a chunk of dark chocolate as it simmers!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the piping hot chili into bowls and pile on the garnishes: chopped green onions and a shower of shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t skip this part—the cool crunch and melty cheese truly elevate each bite and finish off your bowl of Ultimate Chili in style.

How to Serve Ultimate Chili

Garnishes

The right toppings can make every bowl of Ultimate Chili a true showstopper. Chopped green onions add fresh crunch and brightness, while a big handful of sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the warmth of the chili. Try sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, cilantro, or even crushed tortilla chips for extra personality—really, it’s all about making your bowl your own!

Side Dishes

Ultimate Chili shines with classic sides: think warm, buttered cornbread, a pile of tortilla chips, or a crisp green salad to balance all that hearty richness. For game days, you can’t go wrong with a side of cheesy nachos or baked potatoes to round out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Take Ultimate Chili over the top with playful presentation! Serve it in small bread bowls for cozy gatherings, spoon over baked sweet potatoes for a wholesome twist, or use it as a topping for loaded nachos or chili dogs at casual get-togethers. Leftovers also make excellent chili mac—just stir into cooked pasta for a brand new meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Ultimate Chili keeps like a dream in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prep. Once cooled, simply transfer to airtight containers and store for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it actually tastes even better a day or two later!

Freezing

If you love freezer-friendly meals, this chili won’t let you down. Portion cooled chili into zip-top bags or containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from frozen for a quick, comforting meal anytime.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Ultimate Chili slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. A splash of broth or water can help loosen the texture if it thickened up in the fridge or freezer. The microwave also works—just be sure to cover and stir between bursts for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make Ultimate Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for your favorite plant-based crumble, double up on beans, or add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth, and you’ll have a fantastic vegetarian version.

How spicy is Ultimate Chili?

This recipe is full-flavored with a touch of warmth. Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste—add more for heat lovers, or leave it out entirely for a milder bowl. The beauty of Ultimate Chili is how easy it is to make it your own.

Can I make Ultimate Chili in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The flavors will meld beautifully, and it’s totally hands-off.

What can I use instead of kidney or black beans?

Pinto beans, cannellini, or even chickpeas make tasty alternatives if you’re out of kidney or black beans. Don’t be afraid to mix and match—Ultimate Chili is friendly to whatever’s in your pantry.

Does Ultimate Chili taste good the next day?

It tastes even better! Letting it rest in the fridge allows all the spices and flavors to meld, resulting in an even richer, more robust bowl the next day. Don’t be surprised if leftover chili disappears quickly!

Final Thoughts

Ultimate Chili is one of those recipes that turns any kitchen into the coziest place on earth and guarantees belly-filling smiles wherever it’s served. Give it a try, play with the toppings, and make it your signature bowl—you might just find yourself craving this Ultimate Chili all year long!

Ultimate Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ultimate Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with ground beef, beans, and aromatic spices, it’s a classic comfort food that will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or half beef and half ground pork)
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients:

2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped green onions and shredded cheddar cheese for garnish

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Instructions

Heat olive oil and brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot, add ground beef, and cook until browned.
Cook the vegetables: Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic; cook until softened.
Add remaining ingredients: Stir in beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and spices.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-40 minutes until thickened.
Serve: Top with green onions and cheddar cheese before serving.

Notes

For extra depth, consider adding a splash of beer or a square of dark chocolate while simmering.
This chili tastes even better the next day, allowing flavors to meld together.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American