Award Winning Chili Recipe
This award-winning chili recipe features a rich and savory blend of ground beef, beans, and spices, simmered to perfection for a deep, complex flavor. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes - 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for depth)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cornbread
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat and set beef aside.
- Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth.
- Add chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder (if using), smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 1-2 hours (the longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne. If it’s too thick, add a little more beef broth.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your desired level of heat.
- Add more beef broth if the chili becomes too thick.
- Optional toppings can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of the chili.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approximate, without toppings)
- Calories: 450-550 (estimated)
- Sugar: 10-15g (estimated)
- Sodium: 800-1200mg (estimated, can vary with canned goods)
- Fat: 25-35g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: 15-20g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: 0-1g (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g (estimated)
- Fiber: 8-12g (estimated)
- Protein: 30-40g (estimated)
- Cholesterol: 100-130mg (estimated)
Find it online: https://www.masterthecook.com/award-winning-chili-recipe/