The Best (and Easiest) Ground Beef Chili and Red Lentil Soup Recipes

Buy Our Winning Dutch Oven: cooks.io/2oEXgKT
Buy Our Winning Food Processor: cooks.io/2FEiCU3
Buy Our Winning Whisk: cooks.io/2GuBmT3
Get Our Recipe for the Best Ground Beef Chili: cooks.io/2tPMV4v
Get Our Recipe for Red Lentil Soup with North African Spices: cooks.io/2DxVQr6
Host Julia Collin Davison shows host Bridget Lancaster how to make the Best Ground Beef Chili. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews food processors in the Equipment Corner. Finally, test cook Erin McMurrer uncovers the secrets to the ultimate Red Lentil Soup with North African Spices.
ABOUT US: Located in Boston’s Seaport District in the historic Innovation and Design Building, America's Test Kitchen features 15,000 square feet of kitchen space including multiple photography and video studios. It is the home of Cook’s Illustrated magazine and Cook’s Country magazine and is the workday destination for more than 60 test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes over and over again until we understand how and why they work and until we arrive at the best version.
If you like us, follow us:
americastestkitchen.com
/ americastestkitchen
/ testkitchen
/ testkitchen
/ testkitchen

[@JohnPChild]

Am I nuts or is this the greatest video site in the universe? Love this KZbin Channel... recipes I use them all the time & call them my own -- never a disappointment!

[@ryan31775]

Ladies, you have turned this show into something even more amazing. It truly feels like we’re all just hanging out in your kitchen. Well done.

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

Thanks for being a fan and watching!

[@BH-sn7ws]

Ryan Neumann They were always the stars of the show because they did all of the cooking! He walked around and gave some food facts and tasted the food. That’s why he’s not missed much. 😊

[@jgarland3581]

I miss Christopher Kimball and his quirks.

[@BH-sn7ws]

Jabroney Then, all you have to do is subscribe to his channel “Milk Street”. 😊

[@choppersplace]

totally agree...i'm getting back into cooking, buying le creuset etc, by watching youtube cooking shows on my big ass 65'' LG Oled tv...love it!....america's test kitchens just rocks

[@voodoo2882]

I have been watching atk for a long time now.....and I have to admit the two leading ladies have come into their own. Congrats

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

Thanks for being a long time fan!

[@rplittle66]

VooDoo I miss Chris Kimball

[@voodoo2882]

I did try the 'milk' program that he has and its very good. The thing I have w/atk is the cookbook. It is almost the only cookbook I have in the kitchen. Along w/the web and the atk book I am doing just fine. I thk the 'gals' r doing a bang up job ,V

[@fredhinch7507]

The New Two Fat Ladies, without the motorcycle.

[@JohnnyC10071959]

I really like these two hosts together

[@stonedthought]

Ladies I'm loving this show just as much as I always have. Well done!

[@richardlohman8237]

Me too .

[@Forevertrue]

I live in Texas and we have Chili all the time, and there are as many Chili recipes as their is chili. That's is a really Mexican influenced recipe. Instead of sugar we use 1 tablespoon of store bought lemon juice per pound of chili that goes in the last 15 minutes. Thanks for this, good ideas as usual.

[@mulletATheart]

I miss watching Bridget and Julia working together. So good together.

[@PinkTigger33]

Who else is hungry for chili now?

[@backpackmatt]

I always wondered why chefs would cook their ground beef for such a long time when making Chili, and now I understand thanks to the informative and well-executed recipes from America's Test Kitchen. I can't wait to make some Chili....I've already started toasting my Ancho Chilies. :)

[@torinbrown8196]

Quite a few nice cooking tips cooking that chili. Thanks, will make it here soon!

[@Nocturne22]

I made the soup with veggie stock and oil (not butter) for a vegan friend and we both loved it. Some flat bread and a piece of grilled chicken/tofu and salad; a lovely meal!

[@estherchoe2580]

Wow! Can't stop watching you guys! So good! Everything!

[@phickle]

I've been making a simpler version of red lentil soup but now I've got to try this version. The paprika/mint garnish sounds fantastic!

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

Let us know how you like it, happy cooking!

[@estherchoe2580]

Love you all! Everything you do so much fun, not just cooking!

[@aleciaoliver6400]

Love America's test kitchen ,love all of these great recipes❤ Thank you for sharing.

[@jeffsteitzer6005]

I came to cooking pretty late in life. Having your videos to refer to has made the process SO MUCH FUN! Thank you!

[@bryanbartlett5715]

I don't know how your claim in the title of "easiest" holds up here, but I watched and I will try this recipe. You girls continue to enjoy my utmost respect. Love this show.

[@johnpick8336]

You Ladies have a great show ! Found you yesterday and I have learned several basic things that will improve my cooking results immensely ! Thank you !!#

[@aleciaoliver6400]

Love this recipe for chilli brilliant 💯

[@crandall777]

Love you guys, thanks

[@kimezman8697]

Bridget and Julia, love you both, recipes are always amazing 😊

[@noemisoto671]

You are amazing! This Chili is the best especially because you use Chile ancho, and the flavors is like a fiesta!

[@nicidevine6670]

Great video N food now I am hungry 😋 !!!

[@wilmamembreno3484]

Looks great and yummy

[@Sma3oYaJame3a]

Love your videos guys!!

[@kevinhullinger8743]

You ladies do a very good job. Well done 👍

[@auberjean6873]

Thank you both for this amazing recipe! I've learned so much over the years from you, watching your show on Public Broadcasting TV! I'm so grateful for a rich, hearty stew like this and never met a lentil I didnt like! Keep up the great work, I'm a new subscriber. ❤❤

[@Justme77400]

This reminds me of Jamaican red bean soup I had there years ago. It was so delicious!

[@tednmolly]

Good chili recipe. I'v been using it since Adam published it in ATK in March/April 1998.

[@chrismeiklejohn]

Fantastic episode.

[@felicityclulow9383]

Always love your recipes, this looks delicious also the chilli 💜

[@yobebooo]

That lentil soup looks awesome!

[@nealieanderson512]

You are awesome and so are your recipes and tips! Love the new show too!

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

Thanks for your comment and for watching! :)

[@vanessap8354]

Thank you!

[@CelesteKTheNewWaveRevue]

I think that Julia and Bridget are doing a good job with ATK and CCFATK.

[@Amy-iu3wc]

I have the 9-cup Cuisinart food processor, and it IS WONDERFUL~~ Great video!!! LOVE ATK!!

[@debbiereynolds9276]

I have to say I have been married 50 years and the two kitchen equipment pieces my husband bought me was a food processor and a heavy duty mixer. I just gave my food processor to my DIL for her yard sale. I treated myself to a new one. It had to be a Cuisinart and Amazon’s price is a good one. I also had my Kitchen Aid up until about 7 years ago until I inherited my Mom’s KA mixer with the arms. Both my machines were used hard and still are to this day. They are worth the price in my humble opinion.

[@Yesim730]

Debbie Reynolds I agree. If you want top quality and performance, buy Kitchen Aid stand mixers and Cuisinart food processors...they’re the gold standard.

[@justinharber]

I have made the red lentil soup twice in one month. It is beyond delicious, another banger from the T-kitchen

[@nickdudesville5154]

I tried the chili, my first ever attempt. I varied slightly both accidentally and on purpose. I forgot thyme, and baking soda and intentionally doubled the tomatoes and used fresh tomatoes that I reduced in a slow cooker ahead of time. And used a cast iron dutch oven because I don't own a ceramic. Anyway, it was excellent, not the best I've ever had. I grew up with a tomato loving chili maker and even with doubling the tomatoes it still could stand to be more tomatoy. For a first attempt I'm thrilled though!

[@lrom5445]

Maybe you can try adding tomato paste to increase the tomato flavor.

[@infallibleblue]

I thought a bout the tomato paste as well, but don’t forget chili gets better the next day and reheated.

[@DEXTER-TV-series]

13:05 it's something INCREDIBLE !

[@kathleenchisholm4672]

looks delicious

[@imapip6313]

LOL I forgot I stored this episode in my watch later. YUMMMMMM

[@florianbuzalski4617]

I am going to try your chili recipe

[@harryhale5306]

Great job, ladies. I can not wait to try these recipes.

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

Thanks for being a fan and watching!

[@waywardpelican]

I made the red lentil soup. Best lentil soup I’ve ever tasted! I also added a handful of chopped baby spinach after I took it off the heat.

[@joseph-ow1hf]

Another winner from ATK.......thanks!

[@joenamorado6372]

I'm looking forward to trying this chile recipe just to compare it to the recipe I've been using for the last 10 years or so but not before I make that lentil soup.

[@junglepitts]

I got a cuisinart for christmas I was very excited. Lol.

[@barbaradeselle9087]

Can other lentils be used in place of the red ones? Love this entire video ❣️❣️❣️

[@lazytv4318]

I LOVE CHILI!!!!! Thank you so much for this recipe and I will try this pretty soon. I wonder if there is a slower cooker method of this recipe?

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

Happy cooking, let us know how you like it! Here's a link to our Complete Slow Cooker Cookbook which includes a beef chili recipe in it: amzn.to/2FX6pZQ

[@alberttaylor2754]

Greetings Ladies Im gonna try this, this weekend looks good:)

[@louisrios5546]

I've made both of these recipes several times now. For the chili, I don't always make my own chili powder and just use a local brand instead, but I follow the rest of the instructions. And the lentil soup is a good one when I need to figure out a meal using mostly pantry items.

[@MikeStice-tb2qv]

I love chili. Whisk you could too!❤😂

[@gsmith5140]

Red lentils! Must try!

[@tomsparks6099]

This chili is amazing -- very diverse from how I typically make it. It is like chuck wagon gravy-laden stick-to-your-ribs mother-hunkin' (and somewhat greasy) perfection. I used 2 cans of kidney beans, so had more liquid at end, but flavor was almost smoky having finished in oven with dense dark color. Im going to play with this in future endeavors in spice and bean and cut of meat.

[@Joseph1NJ]

The soup looks delicious. I very much appreciate the nutritional info on the recipe page, thank you. ~ 1163 mg sodium/ serving must have come from the broth. Think I'll use low sodium.

[@kathleenchisholm4672]

awesome

[@lemonberries]

I learn so much from ATK... SCIENCE!

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

We're so glad to hear that!

[@brandib412]

My favorite cooking show I'm so glad I spotted you on here! Even my kids know that your my favorite they be like mom your favorite ones not on yet hehe! Lol if you know what I mean Thank You I admire you ALL❤

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

So wonderful to hear! Thanks for being a fan. :)

[@JohnPChild]

PS: I'm adopting these recipes for my pressure cooker so cut down on the standing and stirring time!

[@jusssayin480]

Good for you. But sometimes there's nothing as good as just letting something cook slowly.

[@warrenpena6340]

Nice 😊

[@kareninalabama]

I'm making this chili tonight for a chili cook-off at work on Thursday. I want to give it a day since chili is always better the next day. I'll let you know if I win. ☺

[@kareninalabama]

I won, by the way. Getting ready to defend my title at work next week. 😄

[@JanAndersonVO]

I made that lentil soup the other night.....WINNER. YUM!! Thank you. :-)

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

We're glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@lisamcneill8545]

The long cooking time just begs for a bay leaf or two. Also, we have a tomato allergy in our house, so we use finely chopped sweet green/red peppers and frozen sweet corn. I LOVE the baking soda trick... never heard of it before watching ATK. Works a treat!

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

Lisa McNeill I have a tomato allergy. I make nomato sauce, lots of recipes available online.

[@philliplamborn294]

Having a party at work to celebrate the Opening Game for the Baseball Season. I am making this Chil.

[@leeeismann4807]

I have some ground ancho chile powder that I found in a market in TX. How much should I use in place of the 6 whole ancho chiles?

[@cuisined]

I must admit, I'm pretty hooked in to your show..ATK.

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

Thanks for watching and being a fan!

[@cuisined]

& There is a lot to be about! Thank you ATK!

[@thomassoifer7412]

Ground Elk or prong horn i think taste better but with your ingredients of course I'm in whyomin just tastes better😨😨😨😌😌😌😌😌😜😜😜😜😜😅😅😅😅😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆

[@ahhhfakemonsters]

If i were going to make that soup with veggie stock, would it be better to use all stock or stock and water?

[@rneustel388]

Wow, this is definitely my next 🌶 recipe to use!! I would never have thought to make 🌶 powder, but it has to add so much more flavor.

[@behringerm]

In the red lentil soup, instead of lemon juice and salt, what about 1/4 of a preserved lemon (pulp for the salt and acid, sliced rind for lemon taste?

[@sophiecooks09]

Cannot wait to make that lentil soup

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

Happy cooking!

[@Joseph1NJ]

That's what chef Jaques Pepin Pepin always said.

[@jaimemorlan8267]

There are two things I would like to see you cook. Guinea fowl and peacock/peehan. I've had it in high class restaurants but I'd like for you to show me how it's made

[@neil2661]

Either one could cook for me any time!...

[@CDawg]

The Red Lentil Soup reminds me of a Trini/Guyanese Chunkay Dhal.

[@mohamedrahaman9238]

Need some Paratha roti/bus up shut to go with the dal

[@sarah121980]

Has anyone used an immersion blender for the soup? How did it turn out?

[@choppersplace]

chilli demo: 2 questions please: 1/ instead of the 2 cups of water, what of adding beef stock...is that ok, too? 2/ could you sub in ground chicken (say thigh/breast mix) instead of ground beef (for lower fat/healthier?)?

[@behringerm]

What about using your food processor to coarse grind your meat?

[@thomasperez4412]

I have increased my base of daily meals by following your TV show and watching your KZbin shows. I love red lentil soup, will update that African spice blend. Thank you.

[@TheAnthonyable]

Loves the impersonation. 😂

[@ElPasoJoe1]

Just a thought - add yerba buena (mint) to the chile...

[@mulletATheart]

That seems like a long time to cook pre-cooked beans, but I suppose the idea is to get the bean juice doing it's magic.

[@abelortega2732]

que lindas viejas para preparar manjares 😘

[@sharonthegreat5264]

Bought my cuisinart after watching this review last year. I was not disappointed. Thanks for the info!

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

We're glad you have enjoyed it, happy cooking!

[@kendude8089]

Yom! ☺

[@knockitofff]

Are we all just gonna ignore her Elvis/Dracula collar?? LMFAO

[@SB-000]

Lentil soup is the bomb! How about a vegetarian chili ?

[@JoeStuffz]

I'm wondering if you add fresh peppers instead of dried

[@lyndalinderman6085]

Please tell me the source for extra blades. I've searched and searched for a 1mm slice disk and a julienne disk. Thanks

[@lyndalinderman6085]

Just want to add that I got my 14 cup Cuisinart from ATK.

[@thetransplanter3337]

How are the skins removed? A solvent?

[@LibertyLeslie]

I think that chili is good for a slow cooker too

[@roydishman351]

HELLO IAM A FAN OF YOU ALL AND YOU GIRLS THANK YOU FOR THE IDEAS AND YOU GIRLS DO A WONDERFUL JOB THANK YOU IN THE FALL AN WINTER MONTHS I LIKE TO MAKE HOLE VEGTABLE SOUP AN CHILI DO YOU GIRL'S HAVE ANY MORE IDEAS THEN THE SAME OLD WAY AND I USE A CROCK POT WITH IT COOKS SLOW THANKS AGAIN YOU GIRLS ROCK AN ROLL FROM ONE OF YOU ALL FANS THANK YOU 🌷❣👍💪🥀❤💖💟

[@johnhuitt3135]

I do not care what people think about my choice of the Kitchen aide food processor. I LOVE it . So what if there are "nooks and crannies". THey clean up beautifully.

[@jamesgardner2101]

But not the Hamilton Beach. That thing is crap!

[@SirFancyPantsMcee]

I have bought the winning model off a friend woot!

[@contessademoney2949]

I never use garlic powder because I find that it makes me so thirsty after eating, is it just me? I love that Chris is gone, he seemed to have s better than thou attitude about him..I could never get past it. Having said that, the show is so much more agreeable and Julia and Bridgette are perfect together.

[@hallbe]

Hello

[@Justiferous]

This is the best thing I’ve ever made. My family wants to know my secret. My friends have suggested I open a restaurant. I don’t know what to do with the newfound fame.

[@nicidevine6670]

Justiferous open a restaurant !!! Look at all the recipes you can make !!!

[@jordanvictoria5]

I love this chili recipe but instead of the onion I will use garlic. Thanks for sharing.

[@jusssayin480]

Chili needs onion.

[@aloras405]

Needs both.

[@the1tigglet]

I prefer slow cookers myself.

[@madthumbs1564]

Waste of energy; pressure cooker saves money, time, environment.

[@Yesim730]

mad thumbs and flavour! Love using a pressure cooker. Slow cookers can’t compare to a PC (preferably stove top)

[@CelesteKTheNewWaveRevue]

Can you use vegetable broth in the lentil soup instead of chicken broth?

[@Yesim730]

Yes! The recipe is very similar to Turkish lentil soup...a few less spices, lemon and dried mint are added as a condiment when served. The lemon really lightens the soup.

[@aloras405]

Absolutely.