Knock-Your-Socks-Off Award-Winning Chili

Wanna win at chili? My Knock-Your-Socks-Off award winning chili recipe is here! A rich, smoky Southern chili recipe, easy enough for weeknights. Get the secret!

Alright, let's talk chili! ever crave that warm, comforting bowl that just hits the spot ? i know i do.

It's gotta be flavorful, satisfying, and easy, right? this award winning chili recipe is all that and more.

My Journey to the Perfect Bowl: An Award Winning Chili Recipe

This award winning chili recipe started as a quest. honestly, i wanted to win a chili cook-off, full stop. we are talking proper winning chili recipes .

Years of tweaking led me to this beauty. it's all about that rich, deep flavor.

Where Does This Chili Come From?

This is my spin on a classic southern chili recipe . it's heavily inspired by texas chili. no beans are allowed in the original! we add them, because beans are delicious.

It’s a hearty, easy-to-make homemade chili recipe .

Beef Chili Recipe: Quick and Easy

Listen, this chili is medium difficulty. Chopping is involved. It takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The recipe yields 6-8 servings. Perfect for a family gathering.

Why This Best Chili Recipe ?

This beef chili recipe is packed with protein and fiber. It's perfect for game day. What makes it special? The depth of flavor from slow simmering. That's it.

Ready to get started?

We start with browned beef. Next, we add sauteed aromatics. Then, blooming spices are a must. You want that rich aroma. It makes the flavors pop.

Are you drooling yet? I know I am. Time to get to those ingredients.

Right, let's get this chili sorted! forget that boring stuff, we're making proper grub! this ain't your average tuesday night dinner, this is award winning chili recipe material! so, grab your apron.

Let's do this!

Ingredients & Equipment for a Winning Chili Recipe

Honestly, the secret to killer chili is all about the ingredients. Don't skimp! Think quality, think flavor. We're not messing about, are we?

Main Ingredients for this Award Winning Chili Recipe

This is the heart of your Southern Chili Recipe . Get these right, and you're halfway there.

• Ground Beef: 2 lbs (900g) . Look for 80/20 blend . You want flavour from the fat. Don't buy that lean rubbish, alright?
• Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped. Go for firm and heavy onions. They are less likely to be rotten in the centre.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best. Honestly, the jars never taste the same.
• Bell Peppers: 1 Green , 1 Red , chopped. Snappy and shiny peppers are the way to go.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . Extra virgin, obviously.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 oz (800g) . Good quality tinned tomatoes make a huge difference.
• Tomato Sauce: 15 oz (425g) . Don't get the super cheap stuff.
• Kidney Beans: 15 oz (425g) , drained and rinsed. Check for damaged cans before you buy them.
• Black Beans: 15 oz (425g) , drained and rinsed. Again, check for damaged cans before you buy them.
• Beef Broth: 1 cup (low sodium). This is important. You don’t want it too salty!
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon . Don't skip this! It adds a great tang.
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon (packed). For a bit of sweetness.

Seasoning Notes for an Unforgettable Beef Chili Recipe

Spices are where the magic happens. This is how you go from bland to BAM!

• Chili Powder: 3 tablespoons . This is the base, so get a decent one.
• Ground Cumin: 2 teaspoons . Essential for that earthy flavour.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon . Adds a smoky depth. Don’t skip this one.
• Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon . Don’t overdo it. It can be quite strong.
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or more to taste). For a bit of a kick.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste). Season as you go.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon . Freshly ground is always better.

Flavour enhancers? a little dark chocolate (trust me!) and a dash of worcestershire sauce. they are my secret weapons. quick sub? if you don't have smoked paprika, use regular paprika and a tiny drop of liquid smoke (careful, it's potent!).

Equipment Needed for a Great Chili Recipe Crockpot

You don't need fancy kit for this Homemade Chili Recipe .

• Dutch Oven: Or a large, heavy-bottomed pot. This is essential, no winning chili recipes without it!
• Cutting Board & Knife: To chop those veggies.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: For accurate seasoning.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir it all up.

No Dutch oven? A big stockpot will do in a pinch. Just watch the heat!

So there you have it. the key ingredients and gear to make a chili recipe easy enough for a weeknight, but delicious enough to call it the best chili recipe .

Now, get cooking!

Alright, let's talk chili. seriously, who doesn't love a good bowl of homemade chili recipe ? i mean, honestly , it's the ultimate comfort food.

But not just any chili, we're talking the best, potentially award winning chili recipe type of chili! so, buckle up, because we're diving in.

Chili Prep: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , baby! it's all about getting organised. chop 2 lbs of ground beef, one large yellow onion, two cloves of garlic.

Dice one green and one red bell pepper. honestly, this bit is key. having everything ready saves so much time.

Safety first, though! keep those fingers out of the way. this southern chili recipe is a winner!

Chili Cooking: Step-by-Step Awesomeness

Right, let’s get cooking!

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven. Brown the beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
2. Chuck in your chopped onion, peppers, and garlic. Sauté until softened, around 5 minutes.
3. Stir in 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 0.5 teaspoon of oregano, 0.25 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for 1 minute until super fragrant.
4. Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 15 oz tomato sauce, 15 oz kidney beans, and 15 oz black beans. Then, chuck in 1 cup of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
5. Bring it all to a simmer. Then, whack the heat down to low. Cover and simmer for at least 2 hours .
6. Give it a taste! Adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne as needed.
7. Ladle into bowls and garnish. Enjoy!

Pro Chili Tips: Secrets from the Kitchen

Here are my tips for killer chili. don't skimp on the simmering. trust me, it matters. also, don’t overcook the beef! aim for browned, not burnt.

This beef chili recipe is where its at!

One thing people get wrong is the spices. Don't be shy! And get this: a dash of dark chocolate at the end adds unreal depth. Seriously, try it.

You can totally make this chili recipe crockpot , just chuck everything in after browning the beef. cook on low for 6- 8 hours.

So easy! i once forgot the kidney beans, and you know what? it was still banging. honest!

So, there you have it. my take on an award winning chili recipe . a real winning chili recipe that is easy and anyone can make.

It's easy enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to wow your mates. hope you give it a go! it's one of the best chili recipes out there, trust me .

Enjoy! this chili recipe easy is a game changer! why not give our chilli recipes a try.

Right, so you’ve got the base recipe for the award winning chili recipe . now, let’s talk about how to make it your own.

Trust me, these little tweaks can take it from good to "oh my gosh, is this even legal?"

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Chili Game

Let's face it, a recipe is just a guideline. it’s like a map and it is up to you on how to use it.

The real magic happens when you start playing around. this homemade chili recipe is no exception.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bowl

Okay, so you've got this amazing Southern Chili Recipe bubbling away. But how do you make it look and taste even better?

• Plating is key : forget just slopping it into a bowl! think about layering. a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, and a scattering of fresh cilantro.

  Maybe even some crispy tortilla strips for crunch. bam! restaurant-worthy.

• Sidekicks : cornbread is a classic for a reason. but have you ever tried serving chili with a sweet potato biscuit? honestly, game changer.

  Also, a simple coleslaw cuts through the richness beautifully. don't forget a cold beer or iced tea.

Storage Tips: Chili for Days

Made a huge batch of this beef chili recipe ? (Smart move!) Here's how to keep it tasting its best:

• Fridge Rules : Let it cool completely before popping it in the fridge. It will last 3-4 days in an airtight container. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day.

• Freezing is Your Friend : This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay them flat in the freezer for quicker thawing.

• Reheating 101 : gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. or, if you're in a hurry, zap it in the microwave.

  Stir occasionally. add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems too thick.

Variations: Your Chili, Your Rules

Feel like getting a bit adventurous with this chilli recipes ? Go for it!

• Dietary Tweaks : Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles to make it vegetarian. Add extra beans and corn. Boom, veggie best chili recipe !

• Seasonal Swaps : In the fall, try adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. In the summer, use fresh tomatoes and corn.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

So, you know, this chili recipe easy is not just delicious but also has some good-for-you stuff.

• It is packed with protein from the beef and beans.
• Loads of fiber to keep you feeling full.
• Plus, tomatoes are loaded with vitamins. Just remember everything in moderation!.

This winning chili recipes is something you can pass down to family and friends, good luck! Now go make some magic happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to making an truly amazing "award winning chili recipe"?

The key to award-winning chili is layering flavours! Don't skip blooming the spices – it really wakes them up. Also, a long, slow simmer is crucial; it allows the flavours to meld and deepen, like a proper Sunday roast needs time in the oven. Consider adding a secret ingredient like a square of dark chocolate or a splash of coffee to give it an extra layer of depth.

Can I make this award winning chili recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils. Add extra beans like kidney beans, black beans, and even some corn to keep it hearty. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You might even want to experiment with smoked paprika to mimic that meaty flavour.

How spicy is this award winning chili recipe, and how can I adjust the heat?

As written, this recipe has a mild to medium kick, thanks to the cayenne pepper. If you're a chili head, feel free to add more cayenne, a diced jalapeño, or even a pinch of chili flakes. For a milder flavour, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper altogether. Remember, you can always add more heat, but it's harder to take it away, so start small!

How do I store leftover award winning chili recipe, and how long will it last?

Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure it's piping hot all the way through, like a proper shepherd's pie should be when it comes out of the oven!

Can I make this chili recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! For a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed in the recipe. Then, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables. Then, add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.

What are some good toppings to serve with this award winning chili recipe?

The possibilities are endless! Some classic toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. You could even get fancy and add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or a drizzle of hot sauce. Think of it like building your dream Sunday roast - every topping adds something special.

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