This is the BEST Chili Recipe! Made with bacon (and the option to omit if necessary) and ground beef and simmered on the stove for just 30 minutes, this is my family's go-to cold weather comfort food. It's even better when paired with a side of buttermilk cornbread!
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT20M
Total time: PT30M
Rating
4.97 stars (2181 reviews)
Keywords
best chili recipe, chili, chili recipe, fall recipes
Ingredients
5 strips uncooked bacon (chopped¹)
1 large yellow onion (diced (about 1 cup))
1 red bell pepper (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced (about 1 Tablespoon))
1 lb ground beef ((455g) (I use 90% but any will work))
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon chili powder²
1 Tablespoon ancho chili powder²
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoons ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper³
1 ¼ cup beef broth ((295ml))
15 oz can dark red kidney beans (lightly rinsed and drained (425g))
15 oz can black beans (lightly rinsed and drained (425))
14.5 oz can diced fire roasted tomatoes (undrained (411g))
Place chopped (uncooked) bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven and cook over medium heat until crisp and cooked through. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate and drain all but 1 ½ Tablespoons of grease.
Add onion and pepper and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add beef, breaking apart with a spatula as you cook. Once meat is partially (about 50%) browned, add sugar and all spices (chili powders, paprika, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper) and stir well.
Add all remaining ingredients -- beef broth, beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, chilis, and Worcestershire sauce -- and your cooked bacon and stir well.
Bring to a boil and cook 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 30 minutes to allow flavor to really develop.
Serve with preferred toppings (sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and corn chips are a must!)
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving (not including toppings)
Calories: 611 kcal
Carbohydrates: 72 g
Protein: 40 g
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg
Sodium: 1315 mg
Sugar: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Reviews
DeAnn on 2026-09-27 (5 stars): I’ve tried numerous chili recipes and this is the best chili ever. Sometimes I add extra kidney beans for added protein. For toppings: cheese, sour cream, and Fritos. Everyone wants the recipe! I love all your recipes and watch your videos—so helpful. I appreciate your explanations for why and how to do things too. Thanks!
Brad on 2026-09-26 (5 stars): Can confirm that this recipe is a winner. I entered into a Chili Cookoff last night and won. I did swap black beans for white beans but I don’t think that changed the flavor enough to make a difference. This recipe is a for sure keeper.
Jackie on 2026-09-26 (5 stars): Made this last night and WOW! The chili was PERFECT! I personally wanted a little more heat, but my neighbor took a few bites and the expletives started flying! 😂 They said it was the best chili they’ve ever had...and honestly, I have to agree! If not the best, it’s pretty doggone close!
DJ on 2026-09-24 (5 stars): Made this today but swapped the ground beef with one pound of sirloin steak that i cut up into 1/2 inch cubes! Everyone loved it!
ikimmybee.com on 2026-09-23 (5 stars): Even though I didn't have all the ingredients, this was very tasty and delicious! Thanks!
Lane Kilson on 2026-09-23 (5 stars): good job wow so good I would say no bacon tho so y
the reason I don't think the bacon it is very salty
Carol on 2026-09-22 (5 stars): Just made this chili - used green pepper instead of red since it's what i had. Absolutely one of the best chili recipes I've made and understand why this one is a Winner! Thank you.
Kari Barnes on 2026-09-21 (5 stars): I used this chili last year at my office chili cook off and won! I’m using it again this year, of course. Do you have a certain type of bacon that you prefer?
