Few dishes satisfy like a thick, hearty bowl of chili. Packed with bold flavors, tender meat, and a perfectly balanced blend of spices, it offers warmth and comfort in every bite.
Ideal for cold nights, game days, or simply feeding a hungry crowd, thick chili delivers that satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs texture everyone craves.
Serve it in a bowl topped with cheese and sour cream, spoon it over baked potatoes, or use it as a filling for loaded nachos.
Let us talk about the thick chili recipe in detail.
Thick Chili Recipe
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Ladle
- Use a slow cooker (on low for 6-8 hours) for an even deeper flavor profile Alternative
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prep the veggies: Dice onion and green pepper; mince the garlic and set aside.Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Build the base: Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.Season: Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce to low and cook uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot with toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, or cornbread.
Video
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Serving Size | ~400g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g |
| Trans Fat | 0.8g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Potassium | 1050mg |
| Fiber | 11g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Vitamin A | 1350 IU |
| Vitamin C | 25mg |
| Calcium | 110mg |
| Iron | 5.5mg |
Cooking Tips
- Thicker chili? Simmer longer uncovered or mash a few beans in the pot.
- Flavor booster: Add a splash of beer or a small square of dark chocolate for depth.
- Make ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.
- Heat control: Adjust cayenne to your spice preference or omit entirely.
Delicious Ways to Use Thick Chili in Everyday Meals
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Spicy, thick chili like this works perfectly as a foundation for a variety of bold dishes. Ladle it over crispy baked potatoes for an instant meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and filling.
Use it as a topper for loaded nachos, letting the savory sauce seep into every chip, then finish with melted cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream.
Chili cheese fries also come to life with a generous spoonful of this sauce, creating a comfort food favorite that’s both crunchy and satisfying.
Here are a few more dishes where this chili becomes the star:
- Stuffed Peppers: Mix with cooked rice and cheese, then bake inside bell peppers until tender.
- Burritos and Tacos: Use as a filling or topping with shredded lettuce, avocado, and hot sauce.
- Sloppy Chili Sandwiches: Pile it onto toasted buns with pickles and a slice of cheddar.
- Mac and Chili: Stir into macaroni and cheese for a fusion dish that’s creamy, meaty, and loaded with flavor.
- Breakfast Hash: Spoon over crispy hash browns, top with a fried egg, and sprinkle with scallions.
Keeping a batch on hand opens up quick weeknight options and makes leftovers anything but boring.
Summary
Thick chili makes for a filling, flavorful meal that brings people together.
Its robust texture, deep flavor, and flexibility with toppings and sides turn it into a comfort food favorite that never disappoints.
Try it out, make it your own, and enjoy the kind of dish that keeps folks coming back for seconds.
