Testing to find the best chili recipe.

Finding the Absolute Best Chili Recipe

I’m entering a chili cook-off, so I needed to find the absolute BEST chili recipe. There are so many options out there—vegetarian, steak, ground beef, beanless—you name it! I narrowed it down to three recipes and put them to the test to figure out which one reigns supreme.

Doing a taste test to find the best chili recipe.

I set aside one Saturday and was a busy bee in the kitchen, busting out one pot of chili after another.

First up, we’ve got a classic chili recipe from my sister, Lolly’s Blue Ribbon Chili. It’s hearty and delicious, packed with ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato base.

Next up, we’ve got an alternative to the classic beef and tomato chili—creamy White Chicken Chili. It’s super tasty and has so much flavor!

Recipe for delicious white chicken chili.

Lastly, I made a smoked brisket chili. I’ve got an amazing recipe for smoked brisket, so I was more than happy to use some of it for this chili. This one’s another gem from my sister—Lolly’s Smoked Brisket Chili. It takes the classic beef and bean chili to a whole new level with bacon and brisket.

My husband and a few of his friends became the official testers on my search for the best chili recipe. I gave them a small serving of each type of chili and let them get to work. Hard job, I know.

Doing a taste test to find the best chili recipe.

After three different chilis, my pan had quite the workout that day. But which chili did they decide was the best chili recipe of the three?

Simmering brisket chili on the stove.

It was really a close battle, but the smoked brisket chili came out on top.

How I made my homemade and delicious brisket chili recipe.

If you try out these chili recipes, I would love to know which one is your favorite. Here are links to all three.

What are the essential ingredients for the best chili recipe?

The best chili recipe usually includes a blend of ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey), beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. You can always adjust ingredients based on your preference, but these are the basics that give chili its rich, hearty flavor.

How can I make my chili thicker?

To thicken chili, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid, add a bit of masa harina or cornmeal, or even mash a few of the beans to naturally thicken the mix. These tricks give chili that perfect, cozy consistency!

What toppings go well with chili?

Popular chili toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, avocado, and even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A side of cornbread or warm tortilla chips adds the perfect crunch and complements the flavors.

How long should I let my chili simmer?

For the best flavor, let your chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, but an hour or more is ideal if you want all the spices and ingredients to meld together. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor gets, making it even better the next day!

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