Toppings

Add toppings to effectively elevate your bowl of chili. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, corn chips, and vegetables like tomatoes and jalapeños.

For larger gatherings, setting up a DIY chili bar lets guests customize their bowls to suit their taste preferences, offering an enjoyable option for a variety of palates.

Beer

Beer can enrich canned chili with its malty and sweet notes, especially in the classic beef chili. Despite using beer, the dish won’t taste boozy as the alcohol will cook out.

When choosing beer for your chili, use one with low hops, such as a porter, lager, or stout. Adjust the quantity based on your personal preference and batch size.

Sugar

Brown sugar enhances the flavor of chili by harmonizing sweetness and spiciness. Its caramelizing properties further complement the meat and other ingredients in the dish.

However, it’s essential to use it sparingly to prevent the dish from becoming overly sweet. Generally, one to two tablespoons of sugar is sufficient for a full pot of chili.

Chiles

Add an extra kick of heat to your canned chili using chile peppers. For milder spiciness, opt for Fresno peppers or, add Serrano or Tabasco for higher spice levels.

The pepper’s ripeness influences its heat level, and removing the seeds can enhance its flavor. Toast fresh peppers for a richer taste and puree them for a smoother texture.

Vegetables

Freshen up the flavors of your canned chili by adding vegetables like garlic, corn, mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or even diced sweet potatoes.

You can use either fresh or canned vegetables, depending on your preference. Thoroughly drain and rinse any canned vegetables before adding them to the chili recipe.