Great chili doesn’t come from a seasoning packet — it comes from real dried chiles, toasted and blended into the pot. That one step is the whole difference between flat and deep. Here’s how, and where to buy every part.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook2 hr
Makes6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Dried chiles
Ancho and a little chipotle, toasted and blended into a paste — the real backbone. Powder can’t match it.
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
Make the chile pasteStem and seed the dried chiles, toast them on a dry pan until fragrant, soak in hot water, then blend to a smooth paste.
Brown the beefBrown the beef hard in batches — don’t steam it — then soften the onion and garlic in the fat.
Build the potAdd the chile paste, cumin, and oregano and cook a minute, then the crushed tomatoes and beans. Add water or broth to loosen.
Simmer lowSimmer gently, partly covered, at least 1–2 hours, stirring now and then, until deep and thick. Season with salt at the end. Better the next day.
Can you make Chili in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Chili? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Chili ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Chili gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Chili vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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