Award Winning Chili
Award-Winning Chili is a hearty, meaty, and flavorful dish made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked, it’s designed to impress judges and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and aromatic.
- Add spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix to coat the beef.
- Add liquids: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
- Add beans and sugar: Mix in beans and brown sugar for a balanced taste.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
- Serve: Top with cheese, sour cream, or green onions for a perfect finish.
Notes
- Let the chili rest overnight for deeper flavour.
- Substitute beef with ground turkey or venison for variety.
- A splash of beer adds depth and richness.
- Adjust cayenne for more or less heat.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.