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If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’ve just found The Best Sunday Chili Recipe. This chili isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s a patiently crafted masterpiece where smoky bacon, tender beef, and layers of spices gently simmer to create a deeply satisfying dish that tastes even better the next day. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon or a cozy family dinner, this chili brings everyone to the table with its rich aroma and comforting warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential for building the bold, layered flavor of this chili. Each one plays a vital role—from the smoky crunch of bacon to the earthy depth of fire-roasted tomatoes, and of course, the perfect blend of spices that makes this truly The Best Sunday Chili Recipe.
- 2 teaspoons salt: This draws out the best in the beef and balances the overall flavors beautifully.
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef: The hearty base that brings richness and texture to the chili.
- 6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces: Adds smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Half of an onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chili with aromatic warmth.
- 1 jalapeno, minced: Gives the chili a subtle spicy kick without overpowering it.
- 4 carrots, minced (optional): Adds a touch of natural sweetness and extra texture.
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder: Essential for that classic chili flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cumin: Brings earthiness and a hint of smokiness.
- 1 tablespoon oregano: Adds herbal complexity to the spice mix.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Layers in more garlicky goodness for depth.
- 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili.
- One 28-ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes: Delivers rich, smoky tomato character and vibrant color.
- Two 14-ounce cans beans, rinsed and drained: I recommend black beans and pinto beans for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth (plus more to thin as needed): Creates the perfect savory base and helps adjust chili’s consistency.
- Toppings: avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, cilantro: Choose your favorites to add fresh, creamy, crunchy, or tangy finishing touches.
How to Make The Best Sunday Chili Recipe
Step 1: Get that beef perfectly seasoned
Start by mixing the salt into the ground beef and set it aside. This simple step is a game changer because letting the salt seep in early seasons the meat all the way through, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Crisp up the bacon
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, fry your bacon pieces until they’re irresistibly crispy. Don’t forget to drain them on paper towels—those crispy bits add wonderful texture and smoky flavor, which is essential for The Best Sunday Chili Recipe. Keep a little bacon fat in the pot; it’s pure gold for sautéing the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the aromatics
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeno, and carrots to the pot. Sauté these together until they’re tender and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. This base layers in the sweetness, spice, and depth that you’ll love in every spoonful.
Step 4: Brown the beef with spices
Next, add the ground beef along with your chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Brown everything until the beef is fully cooked and the spices have toasted slightly. This step builds the heart of the dish—the complex, smoky, spicy backbone that makes The Best Sunday Chili Recipe stand out.
Step 5: Add tomato paste for richness
Stir in the tomato paste and let it sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. This concentrated tomato goodness caramelizes a bit, intensifying the overall flavor and ensuring your chili is rich and luscious.
Step 6: Combine tomatoes, beans, and broth
Pour in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, rinsed beans, beef or chicken broth, and crispy bacon pieces. Bring everything to a low simmer, cover the pot, and let it hang out on low heat for at least 30 to 45 minutes—but if you can spare 2 hours, you’ll taste the magic as all the flavors meld beautifully. Feel free to alternate between simmering gently and letting it rest; just add more broth or water to adjust to your preferred thickness.
Step 7: Celebrate and serve
When your chili has reached that perfect balance of thick and tender, it’s time to BOOM it on the table with all your favorite toppings. This is truly The Best Sunday Chili Recipe in action—comfort food made with patience and love, ready to warm hearts and fill bellies.
How to Serve The Best Sunday Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings take your chili to the next level. Creamy avocado slices, sharp shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crunchy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced red onion all add freshness and textural contrast that bring the bowl to life. Don’t be shy—pile on your favorites and enjoy that satisfying flavor explosion.
Side Dishes
Chili is a meal on its own but pairing it with cornbread, warm crusty bread, or even simple steamed rice can make it even more special. These sides help soak up the glorious sauce and provide a complementary texture that rounds out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your chili into loaded nachos by layering it over tortilla chips and sprinkling with cheese and jalapeños, then baking until melty. Or try chili over baked potatoes for a “chili cheese potato” night! No matter how you serve it, this chili brings endless cozy vibes and hearty satisfaction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chili is fantastic as leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors only deepen, making each spoonful even better as the days go by.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, this chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your chili gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly and stays creamy.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef and bacon for plant-based meat substitutes or add extra beans and veggies to keep it hearty without the meat.
What beans work best?
The classic combo here is black beans and pinto beans, which offer great texture and flavor contrast. But you can experiment with kidney beans or white beans depending on your taste.
How spicy is this chili?
The minced jalapeno adds a gentle heat that you can adjust to your liking—remove the seeds for mild or add more jalapeno or even cayenne for a bolder kick.
Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed?
Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes bring a smoky, smooth texture that’s key to this chili, but diced tomatoes can work if that’s what you have—just expect a slightly chunkier consistency.
Is it necessary to let the chili simmer for 2 hours?
While you can enjoy it after 30-45 minutes, the long simmering time helps the flavors meld and the chili thicken naturally, making it truly the best experience of The Best Sunday Chili Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you’ve made The Best Sunday Chili Recipe, it will become a regular feature on your meal rotation. It’s the kind of dish that invites lingering conversations around the table and warms more than just your belly. So, gather your ingredients, turn on some good music, and let this soul-satisfying chili work its magic. Your future self will thank you!
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Print
The Best Sunday Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and flavorful Sunday chili recipe combines ground beef, crispy bacon, aromatic spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and beans simmered slowly to develop deep, rich flavors. Perfect for a comforting weekend meal, it is topped with fresh and creamy garnishes like avocado, cheese, sour cream, and more.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
- Half of an onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, minced
- 4 carrots, minced (optional)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3–4 tablespoons tomato paste
- One 28-ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
- Two 14-ounce cans beans, rinsed and drained (black beans and pinto beans recommended)
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth (plus more to thin as needed)
Toppings
- Avocado
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
- Red onion
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Mix the 2 teaspoons of salt directly with the ground beef and set aside to allow the meat to become well-seasoned.
- Cook bacon: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, fry the small bacon pieces until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot for sautéing.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeno, and minced carrots to the bacon fat. Cook until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burn.
- Brown the beef and spices: Add the salted ground beef to the pot along with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking up clumps until fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and sauté with the beef and spices for 2-3 minutes to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Combine main ingredients: Pour in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, rinsed and drained beans, beef or chicken broth, and cooked bacon. Bring the mixture to a low simmer.
- Simmer the chili: Cover and let the chili simmer gently over low heat for at least 30-45 minutes, preferably 2 or more hours to allow flavors to meld. Occasionally stir and adjust thickness by adding extra broth or water as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Once thickened and flavorful, ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Simmering the chili for longer enhances the flavor and texture, so plan accordingly for a slow-cooked meal.
- Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of jalapeno or by adding hot sauce if desired.
- Beans can be substituted or combined based on preference; kidney beans also work well in chili.
- This chili reheats well and flavors deepen overnight — perfect for leftovers.
- For a thicker chili, decrease liquid amounts and simmer uncovered near the end.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent burning during long cooking times.
