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This easy recipe is so good it’s earned the title of the World’s Best Chili. A hearty homemade chili fully loaded with ground beef, stew meat, bacon, and beans! Let it simmer all day on the stovetop then get ready to enjoy a bowl with all of your favorite toppings and fixings.
Originally published on May 16, 2012.
The World’s Best Ever Chili Recipe
Years ago I was part of a Facebook group where every day we answered one question – “What’s for dinner?” The answers ranged from fabulous steak dinners to super healthy salads to chicken nuggets to pizza night. Basically, when life gets crazy, you gotta do what you gotta do and just get the family fed.
However, everyone in the group got excited when someone said they were making “Bill’s Chili,” a now-famous recipe that was passed around the group. I have no idea who Bill is, other than that he is someone that one of the group members knew. But I can tell you one thing – I will be making his amazing chili for the rest of my life. It is so good! In our house, we call it “the world’s best chili,” and I really believe it is.
This hearty chili recipe has been pinned over 140,000 times. The video has been viewed on Facebook nearly 4 million times. It is even award-winning at several chili cook-offs. Trust me, this is THE BEST chili recipe ever!
Have you tried it yet? If not, what are you waiting for?
What Makes this Beef Chili So Good?
Easy with incredible flavor: This recipe is so much more than just a basic chili. It is simple, yet hearty. By letting the ingredients cook together as long as possible, all of the flavors develop and blend together. Each ingredient adds something to the overall flavor and texture that really makes it the World’s Best.
Control the spiciness: If you don’t want it too spicy, use less chili powder. But if you love the heat, you can add more, try some cayenne pepper, or toss in chopped jalapenos when you cook the onions and peppers with the meat.
Uses ground beef, stew meat, and bacon: There is always the debate of whether you use just ground beef, just stew beef cubes, or a combination of both. This recipe uses both to get the depth of flavor and the different textures. Plus there is bacon for salty, smoky goodness.
Includes beans, but they are optional: The bigger debate with chili is beans or no beans. This is chili with beans, but leave them out or swap kidney beans for black beans, if you like. It’ll still be delicious. The beans are definitely an inexpensive option to be able to feed more people with this one recipe.
Makes enough chili for days: This recipe makes a ton. Whether you are having leftovers the next day or pulling the extra chili out of the freezer, it reheats well, and in fact, might taste even better the second time around.
What You’ll Need
I wouldn’t say there is one secret ingredient. Each one truly adds something to this chili, so I don’t think you should leave anything out. It seems like a long list, but the ingredients fall into four basic categories that are essential to developing the flavors.
- Meat – This recipe uses both ground beef and stew beef cubes. Plus there is bacon for that salty, smoky goodness.
- Vegetables and aromatics – Onion, red bell pepper, and garlic are sauteed with the meat to add layers of flavor. Canned chopped green chiles give it a bit of heat, and the saucy stew base is a mixture of canned whole tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Herbs and spices – The (no longer) secret blend of spices includes chili powder, dried mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Beans (or no beans?) – This chilli has kidney beans. You can always leave them out or swap them for black beans. However, adding beans is a budget-friendly option to be able to feed more people with this one recipe. But for a great low carb option, try a no bean chili (this one cooks on the stove or in the Instant Pot).
How to Make the Best Chili
While the cooking time seems long, it’s only because you want to let it simmer for a while so the flavors can fully develop. The time you actually spend at the stove really isn’t that long. All the details and quantities are in the recipe card, but here’s the overview and some tips.
Cook the meat and vegetables: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot, such as an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven, over medium heat. Add all of the meats, as well as the pepper and onion. Let it cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally and breaking up the ground beef as it cooks. Drain any collected grease and liquid. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute or two.
Add the seasonings: Sprinkle the chili powder, dried mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper over the top and give everything another stir.
Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the canned tomatoes (do not drain them), tomato paste, kidney beans (after they have been drained and rinsed), and about two cups of water. Bring it to a simmer.
Let it simmer on the stove: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding more water, as needed, to achieve your desired consistency
Or use a crockpot: If you don’t want to worry about tending to it on the stove, transfer to a crockpot for the simmering time. But use about half the water to start, and add more if needed. You can also make it ahead and just keep it warm in a crockpot for a party or as one of your favorite potluck dishes. It tastes even better reheated the next day!
Topping Ideas
Wondering what toppings to add to your homemade chili? Here are few ideas to get you started:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped raw onion or sliced green onions or scallions
- Sliced avocado or avocado crema
- Crushed tortilla chips. Buy a bag or make your own Baked Tortilla Chips with flour or corn tortillas.
Make it a Meal: What Goes with Beef Chili?
Wondering what to serve with your bowl of beef chili? These easy ideas will make a super satisfying meal!
- Have some corn bread like this Gluten Free Cornbread or even some corn pudding casserole or Hushpuppies.
- Instead of a bowl, you can serve it as stuffed acorn squash or try gluten free bread bowls.
- Need some veggies? Try a slaw, like Maple Dijon Apple Cole Slaw.
- Toss a simple salad and set out Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing or Creamy Greek Yogurt Maple Dijon Salad Dressing.
Can You Make this Recipe Ahead?
This homemade chili recipe makes a lot. So you can definitely make it ahead to feed a crowd at a party, or heat up your leftovers the next day. In fact, it tastes better the second time around.
Or transfer it all to a crockpot (make sure you get a large one, like this 6-quart slow cooker) after it is cooked just to keep it warm or to reheat it. This is especially helpful for a party. If you allow it to simmer in the slow cooker, I’d recommend starting with about half the water and add more if needed.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Let your chili cool and then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply spoon the amount of chili you want to eat into a microwave-safe bowl, cover the bowl with another plate, then heat in the microwave for a few minutes until warmed. I recommend pausing the microwave halfway through to give the chili a stir and make sure food in the middle of the bowl gets warm too.
You can also reheat this chili on the stovetop. This is especially helpful if you are warming up chili for more than one person. To do this, ladle the desired amount into a pot and heat over medium-low until warmed through.
How to Freeze Chili
Yes, you can freeze it all, or have it for dinner one night and freeze the rest. Transfer the cooled chili to an airtight container and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Or for even more compact storage, fill plastic freezer storage bags and lay them flat. And it always reheats well. If it has thickened up, just add a little more water.
Is Chili Gluten Free?
This homemade chili recipe is gluten-free, but not all are. A few things to look out for when looking for in a recipe is whether it contains flour to thicken it, if beer is added, or if the recipe uses a powdered seasoning mix that might not be gluten-free. However, there are plenty of options out there to find your favorite gluten-free recipe.
More Chili Variations
Don’t have time or need quite this much?
- Quick and Easy Chipotle Turkey Chili is ready super fast.
- Slow Cooker Aloha Chili gives the perfect blend of sweet heat.
- Cauliflower and Quinoa Vegan White Chili is a heart veggie-packed vegetarian chili.
- Pineapple Black Bean Crockpot Turkey Chili gives you a healthy option with ground turkey.
Shop the Recipe
DUTCH OVEN: When letting something simmer for a long time, you really want a heavy-bottomed pot, such as an enameled cast iron stock pot or Dutch oven.
SLOW COOKER: I like to use my crockpot to keep chili warm for a crowd or if I don’t want to tend to it on the stove. But you’ll need a big one, at least 6 quarts.
WOODEN SPOON: I like to use a wooden spoon to break up the meats and stir everything together.
CHILI BOWLS: Nice, big, heavy bowls are best so you have plenty of room to load on toppings. The ones I have in the photos aren’t available anymore, but you can find something similar.
The World’s Best Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 pound stew beef, cut into about one inch chunks
- 1/4 pound bacon, diced in small pieces
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 Tablespoon chopped garlic from a jar)
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1/2 Tablespoon crushed red pepper
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons cumin
- 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4.5 oz chopped green chilies
- 28 oz whole canned tomatoes (I used Tuttorosso Peeled Plum Tomatoes)
- 12 oz Tomato Paste (I used two 6 oz cans Tuttorosso Tomato Paste)
- 48 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups water (use more or less, as needed)
Optional Toppings:
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- diced onion
- tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, stew meat, bacon, pepper, and onion, and cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any collected grease and liquid, if desired.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute or two.
- Stir in the chili powder, dried mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chilies, tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, and about two cups of water, and simmer on low for at least 2 hours, or put into a crockpot on low for at least 4 hours. Add additional water, as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve with desired optional toppings.
Notes
Did you make this?
Leave a rating below and tag @cupcakekalechip on Instagram and hashtag it #cupcakesandkalechips
More of my most popular recipes made with ground beef:
- Lasagna is always a family favorite, and this one is the best.
- Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie, whatever you call it, it’s delicious.
- Beefaroni also has a million different names, but it’s a family favorite ready in a flash.
- Beef Egg Roll Bowl is a one-pan dinner ready in less than 20 minutes.
Best Chili Ever!!! 😋
This is by far the best chili ever!!! I’ve made it several times already and everyone that’s had it says how incredible it is. The only substitution I made was instead of the whole peeled tomatoes, I used 3-4 cans of Hunts fire roasted tomatoes and 2 jars of Rodolfi tomato puree, it added a whole other dimension to this already incredible recipe.
Great tip!
Need to cook the bacon alone to get it crispy first. Don’t use stew meat, use some nice lean steak for better quality
Bell pepper, tomatoes, tomatoes, beans? Need I say more?
yeah a little more would be nice…do you not like those things?
I love this recipe, I do tweak it a little bit and it’s still so dang good. First off I typically double the recipe because it doesn’t last more than a day.
I add:
A couple Jalapeños
A couple Serrano peppers
1 poblano pepper
I don’t like whole tomatoes so I get san marzano crushed..
I also deglaze the pan after the veggies and meat are brown with a nice beer.
Lastly, I add a generous amount of hot sauce, and a few generous scoops of brown sugar.
Love the sweet heat as well as how rich this turns out.
I’ve made it so many times! Never disappoints!
best ever, can regulate thickness you prefer by how much water added. Great chili . will feed several, or freeze for later. I use a little more garlic than called for!!!
How can you make this in an instant pot?
I have not done it that way, but I imagine you could, following the basic idea from this recipe – https://cupcakesandkalechips.com/low-carb-chili-recipe/
My only concern might be that the Instant Pot would be too full because this makes a lot of chili. But thanks for bringing this up. Next time I make it, I will test it that way.
Use 1 beer and then fill the beer can up with water and pour in. Gives it a great flavor.
I bet it does. Unfortunately I am gluten free and can’t have been so I will have to take your word for it 🙂
I’m going to finally try this recipe next week! So excited ?
Regards Hannah Flack
Do you drain the whole tomatoes or green chiles?
Nope, just toss it all in!
Making this as we speak 🙂 just curious, i added the tomatoes whole. Will they become smaller as it cooks? I’ve never made Chile with tomatoes this big so just curious. Followed the directions to a T 🙂 can’t wait to try!!!
If you simmer for awhile they do tend to break down.
Made this using chipotle peppers with terrific results
Made this last night. Only changes was I didn’t use water I used an IPA beer and some beef broth and used 3 smaller cans of beans (Bushs spicy, pinto and black chili beans).
Easy and fantastic!
Sounds like some great additions to the recipe!
Do you simmer the chilli with the pot covered or uncovered?
I usually leave it uncovered to thicken up, but if I’m going to leave it on the stove for a while, I’ll cover it once it is as thick as I’d like it.
After reading all of the fabulous reviews, my husband and I made this for a Halloween party/Chili cook off. We added a tiny bit of Cholula hot sauce for some extra heat. We won 1st place out of 14! Thanks for sharing this award winning recipe!
I going to try this tonight. I think I’m going to sub out the stew beef for short ribs. I’ll let you know how it goes! Thanks for the recipe, it looks delicious!
Let me know! I LOVE short ribs!
It was wonderful! We are eating the leftovers tonight! Thanks again for the wonderful recipe!
Can you do this recipe without beans?
You can, but you might want to reduce the liquid a bit.
Ive heard of putting peanut butter and unsweetened chocolate. im going to try this one. I’ll let you know.
Interesting!
I’m so excited to try this recipe. Could you use diced canned tomatoes instead of whole? Do the whole tomatoes break apart or stay whole?
The whole tomatoes do break down a bit because it simmers for so long. But I would expect the diced, canned tomatoes would work. I don’t have experience with it, though. If you try it, let me know how it goes.
How much is in a serving?
Hi Amanda,
The recipe makes enough for 12 people, with each serving being about 1 cup of chili.
This truly is the worlds best chili!! Absolutely delicious thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the chili, Katie. Thank you for your comment and for rating the recipe!
Wonderful chili! This will be my go to! My husband loved this chili I dont think he ever stopped raving about it. Also I went into labor the night I made it…
Kaytee, I am thrilled to hear that the chili recipe was loved, but your baby news is the best news of all! Congratulations!
My go to chili since the 1990s was a recipe from Bon Apetite magazine. One day last year I ran across this recipe. I’ve not made the Bon Apetite recipe since. I love this chili recipe. In fact it’s simmering on my stove right now. Thanks for the great recipe!
I am so glad you’re enjoying the recipe and I’m humbled that it beats out a great source like Bon Appetit. Thank you so much for your comment and rating!
Just made this chili again. This time no chance of going into labor. House smells delicious. I no longer enjoy going to bonfires that have other people’s chili. This is the best!
I love hearing this!
I just wanted to thank you for this recipe; I entered a cook-off hosted by a friend tonight, using this recipe as a base (I doubled the bacon, added more/hotter peppers, more garlic, peanut butter, and used beer instead of water) … it was a HUGE success: I got nothing but compliments from everyone who tried it, and I ended up winning “#1 Judge’s Choice” out of the 13 entries!
I’m so happy to hear that everyone enjoyed the chili, Ken. Congratulations on winning the cook-off!
Peanut Butter?
What a great recipe! I just made it for a neighborhood chili competition, and I won! I followed the recipe almost exactly, except I cut the stew beef (chuck) into slightly smaller pieces than 1” I used only 1 tsp of crushed red pepper, and I added 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 T brown sugar, and 2 T molasses. I was careful to remove all of the liquid and grease after browning the meat and vegetables, which separated my chili from the others in the competition, several of which were greasy and soupy. I simmered the chili for 2-1/2 hours, which softened the beef nicely. 2 cups of water were enough. I will make this recipe again and again.
I’m so glad you liked the recipe, Michael. Congratulations on winning the chili cook-off!
This is the second time I’ve made this recipe , my new favorite chili ! Taking this to work for my coworkers to enjoy .
I’m so happy you like the recipe, Sherri. Thank you for rating the recipe!
This chili was pretty good.I would not say this is the best chili in the world.But it was ok.I entered it in a small competition and the judges did not give it 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place.Also it did not get the favorite from the group of people that tried it.I guess i was disappointed about that.
I’m sorry to hear that the chili recipe didn’t win you any prizes, Lynn. I think chili is the type of dish that is great because it’s so versatile to adapt the flavors of, but the downside is that people have very specific tastes for the type they prefer.
It’s funny since yours was the only review that didn’t rave about it. Kind of a strange review. I thought it was delicious! Maybe it didn’t come out just right. . .
Amazing chili recipe. Definitely a keeper!!!
Thank you, Tammy. I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Delicious
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
When I make chili, I call it “clean out the fridge” chili! Never is the same twice and I never measure! It’s 100 degrees down here today and yup, I sat in there he air conditioning and made chili !!?? think I’m soon to be committed! All your ingredients are terrific. I’d use all of the ingredients that you mentioned but I always put Worcestershire sauce in my chili. Just seems to give it a great depth of flavor and body! Thanks for sharing ?
Haha! Vicky, you sound like a truly passionate chili fan. 😀 Thanks for your great comment and for rating my recipe.
Might be a silly question but if I do this in the crockpot should I just add all ingredients at once? How long would you suggest cooking?
Not a silly question at all, Beth! Before you add the ingredients to the crock pot, I suggest that you first brown the ground beef and at least sear the pieces of beef in some oil on the stove top, otherwise I’m afraid that the chili will be very greasy. After that, you can place all of the ingredients (except for the toppings) into a slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours. Just long enough for the peppers and onions to soften up a bit and for the flavors of the chili to combine together.
I was looking for the video and could not find it. Also wanted to know if the 2 hr simmer was covered or uncovered?
The chili recipe video is embedded right into the middle of the blog post. The chili should simmer with the pot covered, but uncover and stir occasionally.
I made this, it was wonderful. My stewed beef was a little tough. Ant tips how i could get a little tender.
Hi Tracey!
I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the chili recipe. If your beef was a bit tough, next time, you can buy a leaner cut (something with less marbling) or tenderize your meat before you make the recipe.
Great recipe! Are you getting you chili from New Mexico, though? Real New Mexican chile makes all the difference in the world. I get mine from the CHIMAYO CHILE BROS.; here is a link to their site: http://www.chimayochilebros.com
I always buy American chile, the stuff they import from Mexico, China and India, are just not as good ;-(
Thanks for the info.
You had me until the kidney bean part.
The good news is that you can always leave out the kidney beans if you don’t care for them! 🙂
Bill’s Chili recipe is the best chili I have ever eaten! And the best news is I froze over half of it and thawed it out 3 months later for dinner one night. I cooked up a pound of thin spaghetti and topped it with the chili and plenty of grated Sardo cheese-SO WONDERFUL❤️????????
Oh my goodness, Karen, I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the chili recipe! Thank you so much for the great feedback.
I fixed this last night and was loved by all! It was a little costly, but worth it! Thank you for sharing Bill’s recipe!!
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the chili recipe. Thank you for the great feedback!
Hi came across your chili recipes and looks great I was wondering if I could make it in a crock pot as my stove in my apartment does not go low enough for me to cook on the stove Thanks in advance for your time
It is best to cook the veggies and meats on the stove, but once you get everything browned, you can definitely put it in a slow cooker to simmer. I’d just cot down the water and add a little more if needed.
Made this for a large function and it was a hit. I love it. Will try it with venison next time for my kids. I personally do not eat Bambi. Thanks for sharing it.
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the chili recipe, Bettye! I’m not much into venison either, but I hear that it tastes wonderful. 😉
This was sounding a lot like one I make, with few exceptions. I use sirloin steak instead of stew beef. I also cook the full pound of bacon, not just a few strips. Using water is such a missed opportunity. I generally use coffee and beer to add liquid, but if I need more liquid I’ll add beef or chicken stock (or broth). If I need less liquid, I’ll throw in a cup of rice. Chili is easy to make taste good as long as you know your seasonings. Cumin is my jam. Lots of cumin. Also, season your meat when you cook it beforehand. I use Famous Dave’s steak and burger seasoning.
Great tips, Mike! Cumin is a winner in my book, too.
Will be making this tomorrow for a Harvest Festival which includes a chili cook-off 🙂 Can’t wait to try it and yes, I love the addition of bacon.
Thanks for the recipe!
Good luck in the chili cook-off, Stephanie! I hope everyone enjoys the chili. 🙂
I just had to write and say THANK YOU for such an amazing chili! I am happy to report that your chili recipe was the first-place winner of the cook-off. This will definitely be my “go-to” recipe for chili as the flavor is ever so delicious and the consistency is perfect. The only thing I “changed” was I used only two cans of beans rather than three 🙂
Thanks a million!
Thank you for your wonderful review and congratulations on that win in the chili cook-off, Stephanie!
Do you chop the plum tomatoes before adding them in?
You can, but as it simmers they tend to break down pretty well on their own.
I know everyone is mentioning this recipe makes a lot of chili… does this fit into a normal sized slow cooker?! 🙂 I’m suuuuper excited to make this!
I typically put it in my 6 quart slow cooker and it’s pretty full.
This says it’s 10 servings but calls for 26 POUNDS of meat???!!! Maybe that should say 100 servings
Judy, I thought perhaps there was a typo in the recipe, but I looked at the recipe and it says 2lb of meat, which is 2 pounds.
I read 3.25 pounds of meat.
2 pounds ground beef
1 pound stew meat
.25 pound of bacon
?????
Yes, that is correct. It makes a HUGE pot of chili!
I’ve been meaning to get over here to look at Bill’s Chili since you mentioned it. I love the addition of bacon to pretty much everything! Delicious chili!
The bacon adds a perfect hint of smoky flavor to the spice!
I know that there is nitrate and nitrite free sandwich meats but how about badon. Nitrates and nitrites can cause migraines in some people. This really looks good. I might have to leave out the bacon though. darn
Hi Ruth! Actually, there are several brands of nitrate free bacon. If you’re looking on the packages, it’s called “uncured bacon”. I hope you are able to find some!
I love chili! Just a quick question…you mentioned that Bill put honey in his chili! I’m definitely not a purist when it comes to chili, and honey sounds intriguing…how much did he put in? Many many thanks!
It was a couple tablespoons, as I recall.
This was an awesome recipe. I did doctor it a little by using a dry red wine for part of the water. Im not a green chili fan, so used a can of rotelle instead. It was amazing. Thanks for sharing Bill!
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed Bill’s chili recipe, Nina! Using Rotel tomatoes is a great idea!
Mmmm… I love chili. I think I collect chili recipes.
Haha! I feel the same way about chili, Katherine. I hope you enjoy this recipe.
Just exactly my recipe! And my Mom’s! I dont use three cans of beans…whew! Waaay too many beans for our chili but the rest is spot on! Sour cream, cheese, and dipperz!
I’m so happy to hear that you like the chili recipe, Melinda! Thanks for your comment. 🙂
how long do i have to leave it in slow cooker?
Ann, for best results, I recommend cooking the chili on low heat in the slow cooker for 4 hours. I hope you enjoy it!
I have tried so many recipes , over the years, looking for this flavor. The very best chili i have ever tasted . Really Five Star. Thank You!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the chili recipe, Jack. Thank you for letting me know!
Draining kidney beans. Brianna’s answer ~ If you use plain kidney beans you should drain them first.
Robert’s question ~ I am assuming the kidney beans to be drained are caned in water?
Brianne’s answer ~ Some people use beans in chili sauce which don’t get drained first.
Robert’s question ~ If the beans in chili sauce are not drained first, are they ever drained even partially?
Brianne ~ Please excuse my questions I didn’t want to goof up your wonderful recipe which deserves to be followed as written.
Thank you so much.
Hi Robert –
I’m sorry for the confusion regarding the beans. You are correct. If someone is using traditional canned plain kidney beans (or any other type, other than those in a flavored sauce), they should be drained. If you’re using flavored beans, they can be added without draining. 🙂
when I make taco soup I used canned kidney, and pinto beans and do not drain them they are fantastic.
Looks delicious! Thanks for linkin’ up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
This looks SO good. I’m living in Alaska right now and it’s cold (obviously)…I could really use a bowl of this! Thanks for sharing it with us at the Home Matters Link Party. Hope to see you there again next week! Following you on Pinterest:)
I understand why Bill’s Chili is the best around! Thank you Bill…..whoever you are! 😉
Sharing on Desserts Required’s FB page this weekend.
Thank you for sharing, Betsy!
Chilli is a family favourite here, it is such a versatile meal and can be used in so many ways. This one looks so good! Popping over from #MeltinyourMouthMonday x
This looks great but I’m also intrigued that the recipe originally called for honey!! How much honey was it? I do like a little sweet with my savoury and I may try it with the honey added.
Hi Dani! The original recipe called for 2 Tablespoons of honey. I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks! I’m making it today!!
I hope you enjoyed the chili, Dani!
Oh we love a good chili. Thanks for linking up to #homemattersparty
I love how hearty and delicious this chili looks! Perfect dinner for these cold winter nights!
Do you drain the beans?
Hi Patti! If you use plain kidney beans then yes, you should drain them first. Some people like to use beans in chili sauce, which don’t get drained first. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Wow! I have to try this chili recipe. Adding bacon sounds genius!! Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday!
That really does look like some special chili! Next time I’m in the mood for chili, I want to give Bill’s a go!
This is exactly what I need on this chilly snow day!
just in time for the superbowl, this looks AMAZING!!
Any chili that includes bacon is a winner in my book!
My aunt always adds bacon to her chili and I need to get on that band wagon!!
You don’t need a lot to add a great salty, smoky flavor!
I love this chili recipe. I’ve used it so many times for family and friends. You should totally enter this chili contest! I think you have a good chance at winning (because I don’t want to steal your credit)!
http://bushbeans.thedailymeal.com/
Aww, thanks! I actually got this recipe from someone else, so I probably shouldn’t enter it either 🙁
Super weird question; do you think this recipe will work if I leave out the beans? Maybe add some more beef? I really can’t handle the texture of beans but love chili!
I bet it will be fine. And is more meat ever a bad idea 😉
I just have to say that for more than 30 years I have been trying to make chili that my husband would rate better than “it was okay”. Well, I don’t know who Bill is but THANK YOU BILL! I made this for Superbowl Sunday and it is the first time he made sure the leftovers came home with us.
I followed the recipe as written, following the advice of reducing the chili powder, and the only addition I made was about a tablespoon of brown sugar. It says the recipe freezes well, but I won’t know if that’s true until next time since it is all gone!
Haha, that is awesome!! It is a fabulous recipe!
Just made this. I put it in the crockpot on low and I’m letting it cook all night. I added 8 shakes of worsteshier and 1 tbsp of lime juice and also added 8 cloves of garlic instead of 2. This seriously is the BEST chili recipe I’ve EVER made. Thanks Bill. ❤
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the chili recipe, Lauren! Thank you for your comment and for rating the recipe.
G’day! Your chili looks great, true!
Your photo make me want to try it right away today too!
Cheers! Joanne
Viewed as part of Food Friends Friday Chili Party
This looks really great! We love chili in the fall and winter
Yes, definitely getting to be chili season.
Big YUM happening here and love your gorgeous photography! Stopping over from the Super Bowl and Chili party. Hope you’ll stop by to link up over at my Tailgating Time Super Bowl party too 🙂
Thank you! It really is an amazing chili recipe!
Thanks for bringing this chili by the Super Bowl/Chili Party at Tumbleweed Contessa. I can tell you have done a lot of testing on this reciipe. That’s what makes chili good. I’ll have mine out there on Sunday for the big game. Drop by to get a taste of it.
One thing about chili I have been told. You don’t know beans about chili if you put beans IN your chili.
That’s from a chili cookoff friend of mine!
Have a SUPER week.
Linda
To be honest, this is a chili recipe that I got from someone, but they really put in some work, because it is awesome!
PS. I featured this in my Weekly Rays of Sunshine: http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/weekly-rays-of-sunshine-14/
Aww, thanks so much!!
Brianne, this is the best looking Chili ever! I can’t wait to try it. I just read all the ingredients and it sounds amazing! We are chili lovers so I’m sure it will be a hit! Sharing on FB and Pinning 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Michelle
Thanks! It truly is an incredible recipe. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t make chili often enough – this looks so hearty and perfect for this freezing cold weather!
The best thing about this recipe is that you can make one batch and freeze the extra so you can have it all winter.
Looks Great! Nice touch with the Corona 🙂
Sorry for the super-late reply. Blog went on hold unexpectedly for awhile! What goes better with chili?! Well, if you like beer, unlike me 😉
Hi there. Just to let you know that this lovely post has been featured today in my Need Some Inspiration? series. You originally linked in to Food on Friday: Beef. Have a great week.
Ps It would be super if you followed Carole’s Chatter. I will follow back.
Sorry for the super-late reply. Blog went on hold unexpectedly for awhile! Thanks for the honor! I am flattered!
It sure looks delicious to me! Thank for sharing!
Thanks!
I was wondering if you would like to put up a link to this beef recipe in my Food on Friday Series.
I would be happy to share. Thanks for stopping by.
Hey, it’s great that you linked up. We are now getting a nice collection of “beefy” things.
I want this…now! Please and thank you very much! ~smile~ I love chili and now I have to make it today. One of my twins even requested it earlier. Thank you for sharing on Thursday’s Treasures Week 34. See you soon! <3 and hugs! http://www.recipesformyboys.com/2012/05/thursdays-treasures-week-34.html open all week
So happy I could help you meet his request 😉
OK, I’m going to have to turn the air down, usually Chili is a winter meal but I can’t wait 6 months to give this a try. Ground beef, stew beef and Bacon! Oh yeah, this is getting made soon. Thanks for sharing, pinned!
I can eat chili any time of year 🙂
Cheers to Bill AND you! Looks delicious and I will happily sign up for the delivery service: )
Thanks! I wish I could meet him and thank him for this recipe! 🙂
Okay, I was really good and brought myself a salad for lunch, but now I don’t want it. I want chili. With bacon. I love chili- it’s one of the two ways I will actually eat red meat, the other being my mother’s beef stew.
Do you deliver? I’m a good tipper.
This makes so much I totally could start a delivery service 🙂