When it comes to comfort food that warms you from the inside out, nothing beats a hearty chili recipe. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal, hosting a game-day party, or aiming for that best chili recipe award winning title, this is the ultimate guide to making a bowl that’s rich, bold, and unforgettable.
This easy chili recipe combines tender beef, savory spices, and a slow-simmered sauce that deepens in flavor with every bite. It’s everything you love about classic chili but better.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Recipe
This isn’t just any chili it’s a best damn chili recipe that wins hearts (and competitions). Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
- Full of Flavor: A perfect blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cocoa for depth.
- Award-Winning Texture: Thick, rich, and meaty the kind of chili that clings to your spoon.
- Easy to Make: One pot, simple ingredients, and minimal prep time.
- Customizable: Perfect base for spicy, smoky, or even vegetarian variations.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Spices:
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (secret to a unique chili recipe)
Sauce Base:
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, rinsed well and drained completely
- 1 can (15 oz) of pinto beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
Optional Add-Ins:
- Corn kernels, diced jalapeños, or a splash of beer for complexity.
How to Make This Chili Recipe
- Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. - Sauté the Aromatics:
Add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant. - Add Spices:
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and cocoa powder. Let it toast for 1 minute to bloom the spices. - Build the Sauce:
Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. - Add Beans:
Stir in kidney and pinto beans. Lower the heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for at least 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Adjust & Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. The longer it simmers, the richer it gets.
Tips for the Best Damn Chili Recipe
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Chili Recipe – The Best Award-Winning, Easy & Flavor-Packed Chili You’ll Ever Make
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
- A bold and flavorful chili recipe featuring ground beef, beans, rich spices, and a cocoa twist. This award-winning version is perfect for competition or comfort food nights.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and cocoa powder. Toast for 1 minute.
- Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir well.
- Add beans. Simmer uncovered 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning. Serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- Make ahead for deeper flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of brown sugar to balance acidity.
- Freeze leftovers in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Use quality beef: 80/20 ground chuck offers the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Bloom your spices: Toasting them in fat deepens flavor.
- Simmer low and slow: At least 1 hour, but 2–3 hours is perfection.
- Add a touch of sweetness: A teaspoon of brown sugar balances acidity.
- Make it ahead: Chili thickens and develops even more flavor overnight.
Award-Winning Chili Variations
Want to make this recipe stand out? Try one of these creative spins:
- Smoky Chipotle Chili: Add adobo sauce and chipotle peppers for a smoky heat.
- Texas-Style Chili: Skip the beans and use cubed beef for a meatier texture.
- Sweet Heat Chili: Mix in a bit of maple syrup or dark chocolate.
- Vegetarian Chili: Swap meat for lentils or extra beans still hearty and rich.
- Crockpot Chili Recipe Easy Version: Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, set on low for 6–8 hours, and let the magic happen.
Toppings and Serving Ideas
Chili is all about customization! Try these irresistible toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Jalapeño slices
- Cornbread or baked potatoes on the side
Storage and Reheating
- Storage Tip: Place leftovers in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to four days.
- To Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Recipes
1. What makes this an award-winning chili recipe?
The combination of spice balance, texture, and simmering technique makes it irresistibly rich and flavorful a true award-winning chili recipe that impresses every crowd.
2. Can I make this chili recipe in a crockpot?
Yes! Simply brown the beef first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Let it cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or switch to high heat and cook for 3 to 4 hours.
3. What’s the secret to the best chili flavor?
Cocoa powder or a square of dark chocolate adds a deep, earthy note that enhances the spices without making it sweet.
4. Can I use different meats?
Absolutely try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for unique flavor twists.
5. How can I make my chili thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or stir in a spoonful of masa harina (corn flour) near the end.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this chili recipe stands among the best chili recipe award winning dishes it’s hearty, balanced, and unforgettable. With deep layers of spice, rich sauce, and tender beef, this bowl brings comfort, competition-level flavor, and pure satisfaction in every bite.
Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or entering your next chili cook-off, this recipe guarantees first place in taste every single time.