Name: Damn Good Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey); 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed); 1 medium onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes; 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp oregano; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper; ⅛ tsp cayenne (optional for heat); 1 small jalapeño, diced; 1 tbsp brown sugar (to balance acidity); Shredded cheddar; Sour cream; Green onions; Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

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If you’re craving a meal that warms you from the inside out and packs a punch of bold flavors, you’ve got to try this Damn Good Chili Recipe. It’s thick, hearty, and loaded with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a symphony of spices that come together to create true comfort food magic. Whether it’s game day, a chilly evening, or just a moment when you want something seriously satisfying, this chili has your back in the tastiest way possible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small clear glass bowls and a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The white bowl holds raw ground meat with a pink and red color. Surrounding the bowl are small clear glass bowls filled with chopped red bell peppers, chopped green herbs, bright red sauce, dark brown sauce, small amounts of spices in light brown, orange, and green colors, and chopped white onions. There are also two small white bowls with a yellow liquid and a pale yellow liquid, a glass mug with light yellow liquid, and a bottle of light beer on the right side. Everything is arranged neatly in rows on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the list intimidate you; these ingredients are simple, everyday staples that each play a crucial role in building the rich taste, hearty texture, and vibrant color of this chili. Every item contributes to making this Damn Good Chili Recipe a standout crowd-pleaser.

1 lb ground beef (or turkey): The protein base that adds richness and heartiness.
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed): Helps brown the meat and soften veggies without sticking.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
1 bell pepper, chopped: Brings color and a subtle crunch to balance the chili.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses an aromatic punch that rounds out the spices.
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Provides texture and protein to make it hearty.
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds earthiness and a touch of creaminess.
1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes: The tomato base offers acidity and body for the sauce.
1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth): Enhances flavor and keeps the chili moist.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
1 tbsp chili powder: The star spice that brings classic chili heat and smokiness.
1 tsp cumin: Adds earthy warmth with a subtle bitterness.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Introduces smoky depth without overpowering.
½ tsp oregano: A hint of herbal brightness to balance richness.
½ tsp salt (or to taste): Essential to bring all flavors into harmony.
¼ tsp black pepper: Gives just a touch of bite and complexity.
⅛ tsp cayenne (optional for heat): For those who like their chili with a kick.
Optional Add-Ins: 1 small jalapeño, diced for extra heat; 1 tbsp brown sugar to balance acidity.
Optional Toppings: Shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, plus tortilla chips or cornbread on the side to elevate your experience.

How to Make Damn Good Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef and break it into crumbles as it cooks. Browning the meat thoroughly builds the foundation of the chili’s rich flavor. If you notice too much fat, go ahead and drain it to avoid greasiness. This step sets the tone for that thick, hearty texture we love in the Damn Good Chili Recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Next, toss in the diced onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, and if you’re feeling bold, the diced jalapeño. Cook everything for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions and peppers start to soften. This brings out sweetness and creates a wonderful base for the spices to cling to.

Step 3: Bloom the Spices

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you’re using it. Let the spices cook for about a minute to bloom—the heat will help release their full flavor potential, and you’ll already start catching hints of that signature Damn Good Chili Recipe aroma.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Tomatoes

Pour in the drained kidney and black beans, then add the crushed or diced tomatoes along with the beef broth and tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly. This step brings all the core ingredients into harmony so the chili can start melding into something truly special.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your chili to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to keep it at a slow, steady bubble. Cover the pot and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This cook time allows all the flavors to blend, and the chili to thicken into that spoon-sticking consistency that makes it a Damn Good Chili Recipe you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Step 6: Final Taste and Adjustments

Give your chili a final taste and tweak the seasoning as you like—maybe a pinch more salt, a bit more heat, or even a touch of brown sugar if the tomatoes taste a little sharp. This step makes all the difference in personalizing the flavor to exactly how you like it.

How to Serve Damn Good Chili Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick chili, showing three main layers: a base of chunky red tomato sauce mixed with brown cooked ground meat, scattered dark red kidney beans, and soft pieces of yellow and red bell peppers. On top, there are three thin rings of light purple onion and small green onion pieces clustered in the center. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The toppings are where you get to have some fun and add extra texture and cool contrast to your warm chili. Classic options like shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced green onions bring creaminess and freshness to every bite. Don’t underestimate the power of simple garnishes to transform your bowl!

Side Dishes

Serving your chili with tortilla chips adds a delightful crunch and makes for perfect dipping. Or, if you want to keep things cozy, cornbread on the side is an unbeatable pairing that soaks up every bit of the sauce. Both options bring an added layer of enjoyment to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Serve the chili over a baked potato or on a bed of rice for a twist. You can also turn it into a chili dip layered with cheese and baked until bubbly. No matter how you present this Damn Good Chili Recipe, it’s sure to steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chili is a treasure! Cool your chili completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. As the flavors continue to meld, the chili often tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver for busy days when you want a homemade meal without any fuss.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from refrigerated, just heat through until steaming hot. Add a splash of broth if it thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and use extra beans or add diced mushrooms or lentils for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly version of this Damn Good Chili Recipe.

How spicy is this chili?

This chili has a moderate heat level with the option to boost spiciness by adding jalapeño, cayenne, or chipotle peppers. You can easily adjust to suit your taste buds.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken work well for a leaner option. You can also try plant-based ground meat substitutes to keep it vegetarian without sacrificing texture.

Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours for rich, developed flavors.

Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, when made with the base ingredients, this Damn Good Chili Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check your broth and toppings to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Damn Good Chili Recipe isn’t just another meal — it’s a bowl full of warmth, comfort, and bold flavor that brings people together. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for game day or any cozy night in. Grab your pot and get cooking; your taste buds are in for a treat!