Award Winning Chili Recipe

There’s nothing quite like diving into a pot of homemade chili, where every ingredient spins its own little tale before becoming part of the delicious whole. This hearty creation, featuring a duet of ground beef and pork with vibrant peppers and just enough spice, is my go-to for cozy nights in or impressing the squad.

I adore creating recipes that deliver warmth and taste to your dining experience, and my award-winning chili is no exception. It’s a dish that teems with protein from the generous amounts of ground beef and ground pork that make it so hearty.

The Star Wars-like aroma this chili gives off while cooking is due to the blend of onions, garlic, and spices (cumin, paprika, cayenne) that it contains. Those spices really make the scent of what’s cooking carry throughout the house and almost entice you to dig in before it’s even ready.

Award Winning Chili Recipe Ingredients

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Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat that aids in sautéing onions and garlic.

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Onion: Adds depth and a sweet-savory flavor; rich in antioxidants.

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Garlic: Provides aromatic flavor and is known for its health benefits.

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Ground Beef and Pork: Adds protein and richness; creates robust texture.

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Bell Peppers: Packed with Vitamin C; contribute sweetness and color.

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Chili Powder: Spices up the chili; offers a kick with antioxidant properties.

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Beans: High in fiber and protein; they make the chili hearty and nutritious.

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Tomatoes: Source of Vitamin C and antioxidants; add richness and acidity.

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Brown Sugar: Balances acidity; adds a hint of sweetness.

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Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy note; balances the overall flavor.

Award Winning Chili Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

How to Make this Award Winning Chili Recipe

1. In a large pot, medium heat is used to warm the olive oil. The diced onion and the garlic that’s been minced are added next. They cook together, in harmonious fashion, for about 5 minutes, or until the onion has achieved the translucency that makes it suitable to be elbowed out of the way by the next character in our ingredient lineup.

2. In the pot, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Cook until browned, breaking apart the meat with a spoon as it finishes cooking.

3. Combine the red and green bell peppers, cooking for an further 3 minutes, until they begin to soften.

4. Blend the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper so they coat the meat and vegetables evenly.

5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Combine them thoroughly.

6. Add the Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar to the beef broth and stir well.

7. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. After it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for approximately 1 hour while stirring every now and then.

8. Following a 1-hour period, sample the dish and modify the seasoning as needed. Introduce the apple cider vinegar and mix thoroughly.

9. Maintain a gentle simmer without a lid for another 20-30 minutes, letting the chili continue to thicken until it reaches your preferred consistency.

10. After the mixture has thickened and the flavors have come together, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit before serving. If you want to top it with something, go right ahead. But savor it in its pure, unadulterated form first.

Award Winning Chili Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Stirring spoon
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Measuring spoons
6. Can opener
7. Measuring cup

FAQ

• What makes this chili recipe award-winning?Ground beef and pork combined with just the right blend of spices deliver the two things I value most in a meatball: flavor and texture.
• Can I make this chili ahead of time?Indeed, this chili tastes better the following day because it is given more time to allow the flavors to meld together.
• How can I make this chili spicier?The heat level can be increased to your preference by adding more cayenne pepper or fresh, chopped jalapeños.
• Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?Absolutely, you can replace the meat with additional beans or use meat substitutes like soy crumbles.
• Can I substitute any of the ingredients?You can try different beans or use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter version.
• How long does it take to cook this chili?Prepare the chili at least 1 hour before serving. This lets the flavors develop and meld. It doesn’t take much effort—the food processor does most of the work for you.
• What can I serve with this chili?It goes well with rice, cornbread, or even tortilla chips and sour cream.

Award Winning Chili Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
If you don’t have pinto beans, kidney beans make a great substitute.
Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika to infuse a smoky flavor.
Red wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used in place of apple cider vinegar to create a slightly different flavor profile.
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make it suitable for vegetarians, when using meat substitutes.

Pro Tips

1. Sear the Meat for Extra Flavor Before adding the bell peppers, let the ground meat (beef and pork) develop a slight crust by not stirring constantly. This caramelization adds a deep, rich flavor to your chili.

2. Toast the Spices After browning the meat, push it to the side of the pot and briefly toast the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and oregano in the center before mixing them in. This step releases their essential oils and enhances their flavors.

3. Use Whole Peeled Tomatoes Instead of diced tomatoes, consider using a can of whole peeled tomatoes. Crush them with your hands before adding them to the pot for a richer texture and more robust tomato flavor.

4. Layering in Flavor Introduce the Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar after the meat is browned and the spices are toasted, but before adding the tomatoes and beans. This allows these ingredients to meld thoroughly with the base flavors.

5. Rest and Reheat For the best flavor, let the chili cool completely and refrigerate it overnight. Reheat gently the next day, which allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to improve.