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This is the best damn chili recipe if you’re craving a hearty bowl loaded with bold flavor. Perfect for Game Day, chilly evenings, and laid-back dinners!
With a name as bold as “damn good chili recipe,” you’d think making it would be a whole project. Luckily, this chili is actually quite simple to make!
The ingredient list may look long, but you’ll enjoy watching the best damn chili ever come together.
And I know it’s obvious, but this beef chili gets even better after a day.
Make a full pot—you’ll thank yourself later, wink.
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This cozy, meaty chili recipe got me dreaming up dunkable sides like Big Mac tacos!
And for those who prefer a lighter take on the hearty chili, check out our healthy Crockpot white chicken chili.
Why You’ll Love This Best Damn Chili Recipe
- This easy homemade chili recipe will give you a hearty bowl packed with deep flavor, even without a Crockpot.
- This is the best damn chili recipe ever if you love bold chili flavor without the heat getting out of hand.
- This homemade chili recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or making a big batch for meal prep!
Ingredients
Olive oil – For cooking the aromatics.
Yellow onion, bell pepper, Anaheim pepper, red jalapeno pepper, and garlic cloves – They make up the flavor-packed base of this best damn chili recipe.
80/20 Ground beef – This is our recommended fat ratio to give the damn delicious chili the perfect rich flavor.
Garlic powder, beef bouillon cubes, salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, dried oregano, and dried basil – Seasonings and herbs to give our comforting beef chili recipe layers of flavor.
Worcestershire sauce – The umami boost helps make the best darn chili taste more well-rounded.
Light beer and white wine – You can’t expect to make the best damn chili recipe without secret ingredients! Beer and wine instantly elevate the chili, balancing the rich flavor of the meaty dish.
Fire-roasted tomatoes, crushed canned tomatoes, and tomato paste – Smoky, tangy, and sweet, using this trio of tomatoes ensures a thick and flavorful stew.
Chipotle pepper sauce – Another must-have for the best chili recipe ever! It adds smoky depth to the chili.
Dark red kidney beans – Make sure to drain them well for the best chili consistency and flavor!
Sour cream, fresh cilantro, and ground cumin – This best homemade chili recipe is served with a quick sour cream topping that perfectly balances the rich, spicy flavors of the hearty comfort food.
Ingredient Additions For the Best Damn Chili
Meat
For an extra-meaty chili recipe, you can add chorizo, bacon, or even chunks of chuck roast!
More beans
The best damn chili recipe is packed with flavor and hearty enough for a full meal.
Add black beans, pinto beans, or Adzuki beans to your liking.
Garnishes and toppings
Load this damn good chili with extras like shredded cheese, pickled jalapenos, or tortilla chips.
You can also serve it with avocado and lime!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Sear Your Beef
To make the best-tasting beef chili, take the time to brown your meat thoroughly. The deeper the browning, the richer the flavor!
Delicious Serving Ideas
Make it a full feast! Serve the best damn chili with baked potatoes, bacon mac and cheese, turkey stuffed bell peppers, or vegan tacos!
Storage Tips
Once cooled, transfer the chili to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the frozen chili in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove.
Meaty Chili Recipe FAQs
What is the secret to really good chili?
The secret to a really good chili is taking the time to brown the beef for a deeper, richer flavor. You can also toast your spices and try a unique chili recipe that adds unexpected ingredients, such as espresso powder for depth. And of course, don’t rush your stew to give the flavors time to come together.
What is a good secret ingredient to put in chili?
You can deepen the flavor of this damn delicious chili with balsamic vinegar. Its sweet, acidic flavor brightens the meaty, spicy dish.
How spicy is this chili?
This best damn chili recipe packs just the right amount of heat. Not too spicy, but you can add more peppers or hot sauce for a super fiery kick.
How can I thicken my chili that is too watery?
If your homemade chili is too watery, just remove the lid and simmer for 20 minutes to let it thicken!
More Delicious Mexican-Inspired Recipes
I found this recipe for Churros that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Best Damn Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Anaheim pepper, chopped
- 2 red jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
- 1 pinch garlic powder
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 12 oz light beer
- 1 14.5-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
- 12 oz tomato paste
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tbsp Chipotle pepper sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 2 15- oz cans dark red kidney beans
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped, for the sour cream topping
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin for the sour cream topping
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients, and let's start the best damn chili recipe.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion, peppers, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 7 minutes, or until browned.
- Season the meat with garlic powder, bouillon cubes, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in the beer.
- Continue cooking the beef for about 3 more minutes, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir the cooked beef into the peppers.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and white wine. Season with pepper sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, and basil.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the beans and continue simmering for 30 more minutes.
- Blend the sour cream, cilantro, and cumin in a food processor until smooth.
- Serve the best damn chili with the sour cream mixture and enjoy!
Notes
- To make the best-tasting beef chili, take the time to brown your meat thoroughly. The deeper the browning, the richer the flavor!
- Make it a full feast! Serve the best damn chili with baked potatoes, bacon mac and cheese, turkey stuffed bell peppers, or vegan tacos!
- Once cooled, transfer the chili to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the frozen chili in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
