This award-winning chili is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, making it a crowd favorite every time. With a rich blend of spices, ground beef, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this hearty chili is perfect for a chilly day or any gathering. It’s incredibly flavorful and sure to become your go-to chili recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chili is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. The ground beef adds a savory base, while the sweet brown sugar balances the heat from the jalapeños, cayenne, and crushed red pepper. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth, and the slow cooking process ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a warming meal, this chili hits the spot every time. The Best Chili

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 large jalapeño peppers, minced (seeds and veins removed for less heat, left in for more heat)
1/4 cup chili powder
3 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons ground cayenne pepper (or more for extra heat)
2 tablespoons crushed red pepper
6-ounce jar of chopped sweet peppers and juice
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
28-ounce can tomato sauce
28-ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large frying pan, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Cook the Vegetables:

Drain off all but two tablespoons of fat from the pan. Add the diced onions and cook over medium-high heat until softened.
Add the diced bell peppers and cook until softened, then add the garlic and minced jalapeños. Cook for one more minute until fragrant.

Transfer to Slow Cooker:

Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.

Add the Spices and Ingredients:

Add the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, chopped sweet peppers, and juice to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Add the Liquids and Simmer:

Stir in the brown sugar, tomato sauce, and crushed fire-roasted tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir thoroughly.

Cook the Chili:

Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

Serve with your favorite chili toppings, such as Greek yogurt, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and pickled jalapeños.

Enjoy!

This Best Chili is the perfect mix of savory, spicy, and sweet, with a rich depth of flavor. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Calories: 260 per serving

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a combination of beans like black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
More Heat: Add more minced jalapeños, increase the cayenne pepper, or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Sweet and Smoky: Add a tablespoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for an added smoky flavor.
Add Beans: Feel free to add beans like kidney beans or black beans for added texture and protein.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Chili freezes well! Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if the chili thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this chili on the stovetop. After browning the beef and cooking the vegetables, combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer on low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

2. How can I make this chili milder?

To make the chili milder, remove the seeds and veins from the jalapeños, and reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper. You can also use sweet bell peppers instead of the spicy varieties.

3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey or chicken may produce a leaner chili, so you might want to adjust the seasonings and add a little extra fat, like olive oil, if needed.

4. Can I add vegetables to this chili?

Absolutely! You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, corn, or carrots for added texture and nutrition. Just chop them up and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

5. How do I know when the chili is done?

The chili is done when all the flavors have melded together, the beef is cooked through, and the vegetables are tender. If you’re using the slow cooker, the cooking time will depend on whether you’re cooking on low or high, but 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low is usually perfect.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need to make a larger batch. Just be sure to use a larger slow cooker to accommodate the increased quantity and adjust the cooking time slightly.

7. How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.

8. Can I serve this chili with sides?

Yes, chili goes great with sides like cornbread, rice, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad.

9. Can I make this chili in advance?

Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld.

10. Can I add more sweetness to the chili?

If you prefer a sweeter chili, you can add more brown sugar or even a splash of maple syrup to enhance the sweetness.

Conclusion

This Best Chili Recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next family meal or gathering. With a perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and heat, it’s a comfort food that will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy it on a cold day or whenever you want a warm, filling dish that everyone will love!