If you’re craving warmth, comfort, and a full-flavored meal that feels like a hug from the inside, you have to try The Best Sunday Chili. This legendary recipe brings together savory, smoky bacon, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato base with beans and spices that simmer to perfection. It’s not just chili — it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas and your heart with joy. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this chili steals the spotlight as a cozy, irresistible classic that you’ll want to return to again and again.

The Best Sunday Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with The Best Sunday Chili means gathering some straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a starring role. From the salty depth of bacon to the spicy zip of jalapeno and the earthy richness of cumin, each element is essential to crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.

2 teaspoons salt: Enhances and layers the flavors throughout the dish.
1 1/2 pounds ground beef: Provides hearty protein and texture that’s the chili’s foundation.
6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces: Adds a smoky crunch and deep savoriness.
Half of an onion, diced: Offers sweetness and aromatic complexity once sautéed.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings pungent warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
1 jalapeno, minced: Adds a spicy kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
4 carrots, minced (optional): Introduce a subtle sweetness and gentle earthiness for balance.
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder: The heart of authentic chili flavor with smoky undertones.
2 tablespoons cumin: Provides warm, nutty earthiness that’s essential in chili seasoning.
1 tablespoon oregano: Adds herbal brightness that lifts the robust spices.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
3-4 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
One 28-ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes: Infuses the chili with smoky tomato goodness and vibrant color.
Two 14-ounce cans beans, rinsed and drained: I prefer black beans and pinto beans for variety in texture and mild flavor.
2 cups beef broth or chicken broth (plus more to thin as needed): Adds moisture and layers of savory depth to simmer everything together perfectly.
Toppings: avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, cilantro: These fresh and creamy garnishes bring contrast and freshness when serving.

How to Make The Best Sunday Chili

Step 1: Season and Crisp the Bacon

The journey to The Best Sunday Chili starts with seasoning your ground beef with salt to infuse seasoning right from the start. Then, fry your bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until they’re delightfully crispy. This step infuses the fat with smoky flavor, so don’t pour all of it off — leave a tablespoon or two to use for sautéing the veggies. These simple actions lay the foundation for deep, authentic taste.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

After your bacon is finished, add diced onions, minced garlic, jalapeno, and optional minced carrots to the pot. Sauté them in the reserved bacon fat until softened and fragrant. This aromatic base brings sweetness and a gentle heat that will elevate every spoonful of your chili.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef with Spices

Next, toss the salted ground beef back into the pot along with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks to allow the spices to bloom and meat to develop that irresistible rich crust. This combination of cooking and seasoning enables every bite of chili to be full-bodied and satisfying.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Let It Cook In

Spoon in the tomato paste and sauté it with the beef and vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes. This step caramelizes the paste slightly, deepening the tomato flavor and thickening the mixture, which is essential for building that luscious, hearty chili texture.

Step 5: Combine Tomatoes, Beans, Broth, and Bacon; Simmer

Introduce the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, drained beans, beef or chicken broth, and the crispy bacon pieces back into the pot. Bring everything to a low simmer and cover with a lid. Let your chili hang out on low heat for at least 30 to 45 minutes, though longer—like two hours or more—is ideal for the flavors to harmonize beautifully. The slow simmer is why it’s called The Best Sunday Chili, as it’s perfect for leisurely cooking that fills your home with irresistible smells. If the chili thickens too much, simply add extra broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

When it’s time, ladle your chili into bowls, pile on your favorite toppings, and prepare for an explosion of flavor. This chili is a celebration in a bowl that invites you to savor every spoonful and plan your next Sunday chili tradition.

How to Serve The Best Sunday Chili

Garnishes

Enhancing The Best Sunday Chili with thoughtful garnishes takes it to another level. Creamy avocado slices bring richness, while shredded cheese melts perfectly on the warm chili. A dollop of sour cream offers tangy creaminess, and crunchy tortilla chips add texture and fun. Fresh red onion and bright cilantro deliver freshness and a pop of color that brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

To keep things cozy and complete, pair your chili with cornbread or warm tortilla chips. A crisp green salad is also a wonderful counterpoint to the deep flavors, providing balance with fresh and crunchy bites. If you’re in the mood for extra heartiness, steamed rice or even baked potatoes work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your chili in rustic bread bowls or mini cast iron skillets. Hosting a chili bar with an array of toppings lets everyone customize their bowls, turning mealtime into a fun, interactive experience. And don’t forget to offer plenty of napkins—because The Best Sunday Chili is worth getting delightfully messy over!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Sunday Chili keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store leftovers in airtight containers to preserve flavors and freshness. The spices tend to marry even more over time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This chili freezes wonderfully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a comforting bowl anytime you crave it.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the chili has thickened. You can also microwave it, but stir every minute or so to heat thoroughly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make The Best Sunday Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap out the beef and bacon for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles. Use vegetable broth and keep the same seasoning for that classic chili taste without meat.

What beans work best in this chili?

Black beans and pinto beans are a classic combo for this recipe because they offer contrasting textures and mild flavors that absorb the spices well. But feel free to mix kidney beans or navy beans if you like, depending on your preference.

How spicy is The Best Sunday Chili?

This chili offers a balanced mild-to-medium heat level thanks to the jalapeno and chili powder. You can adjust the jalapeno amount or omit the seeds to reduce spiciness, or add more chili powder or hot sauce for extra kick.

Can I prepare The Best Sunday Chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! After browning the meat and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add the tomato paste, beans, tomatoes, and broth at the start, and stir occasionally if possible.

Why is it called The Best Sunday Chili?

It’s all about the slow, loving simmer that happens over Sunday afternoon. This leisurely cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and blend, creating a chili experience that feels like a special weekly treat you’ll yearn for again.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about The Best Sunday Chili that turns simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying feast. Whether it’s the rich bacon, the harmonious spices, or the cozy ritual of a slow simmer, this chili invites you to slow down and savor. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and make every Sunday a delicious tradition filled with warmth and flavor!

The Best Sunday Chili Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty and flavorful Sunday Chili is the perfect comfort food for a cozy weekend meal. Made with ground beef, crispy bacon, a medley of spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and beans, it’s simmered slowly to develop deep, rich flavors. Topped with your favorite garnishes like avocado, cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, this chili is deliciously satisfying and easy to customize.

Instructions

Season the beef: Mix the 2 teaspoons of salt thoroughly into the ground beef. This helps the meat absorb the seasoning for enhanced flavor. Set aside while prepping other ingredients.
Cook the bacon: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, fry the bacon pieces until crispy. Once cooked, transfer bacon onto paper towel-lined plates to drain excess fat. Pour off most of the bacon fat from the pot, but leave about 1-2 tablespoons to sauté the vegetables.
Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeno, and minced carrots to the pot. Cook until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Brown the beef and spices: Add the seasoned ground beef to the pot along with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Stir and cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks for even browning.
Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to deepen in flavor and coat the meat and vegetables.
Combine main ingredients: Pour in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, drained beans, beef broth, and crispy bacon pieces. Stir everything together well to mix flavors.
Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then cover the pot. Let it cook over low heat for at least 30-45 minutes, preferably 2 or more hours, to allow flavors to develop and meld. Check occasionally, stirring and adding broth or water to thin as needed to your preferred consistency.
Serve with toppings: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro for added texture and freshness.

Notes

Simmering the chili longer improves the depth of flavor – ideally 2+ hours.
Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky, rich taste.
Adjust the heat by varying the amount or type of chili powder and jalapeno.
This chili can be made a day ahead; flavors will improve overnight.
For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of broth or simmer uncovered towards the end.
Optional carrots add a subtle sweetness and extra nutrition but can be omitted.
Customize toppings to your preference for added creaminess, crunch, or freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Simmering, Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 7 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Sunday chili, beef chili, bacon chili, slow cooked chili, comfort food, spicy chili, easy chili recipe