Ultimate Chili

My ultimate chili recipe is simmered with all of the classic ingredients we know and love, plus a few secret seasonings that make this chili extra-memorable and a total crowd fave.

Believe it or not, this is actually the very first classic stovetop chili recipe that I have posted here in 10 years of blogging.

I’ve blogged about just about every other kind of chili imaginable — especially various kinds of vegetarian and chicken chili recipes, which are my usual go-tos.  But over the years, you all have continued to send in requests for an outstanding classic beef chili recipe here on the blog too.  One that’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite at game day parties or around the table for cozy weeknight dinners.  One that can be simmered in a big pot on the stovetop, or made even easier in the Crock-Pot or Instant Pot as well.  One that’s rich and hearty and doesn’t skimp on the best ingredients needed to achieve the very best flavors.  And most importantly of all, a chili recipe that’s delicious enough to win the whole dang cook-off.

Well, here you have it.  Friends, meet the very best classic chili recipe I’ve ever tried. ♡♡♡

It’s full of all of the classic beef chili ingredients that we all know and love.  But there are also a few extra special flavors simmered in there that — I’m convinced, at least — make this chili recipe ultimately stand out above all the rest.  It’s a chili recipe that’s big and bold and doesn’t shy away from some smoky heat.  But it’s still incredibly easy to make and, of course, pile high with as many of your favorite toppings as possible.  (You know my mantra — more is more when it comes to chili toppings!)

As always, I’ve also included lots of tips below for how to customize this chili recipe exactly the way you prefer, including how to make it spicier or milder, heartier or brothier, gluten-free or lightened-up, etc.  Plus, I’ve also included tips for how to store and/or freeze this recipe, if you would like to save the leftovers for easy meal prep for the month ahead.

Bottom line — I’m convinced this chili recipe is a winner and sincerely hope you love it too.  So let’s make some!

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