My Mom’s Award Winning Chili

There’s something incredibly comforting about a big pot of chili simmering on the stove, especially when it’s My Mom’s Award Winning Chili. The rich aromas wafting through the house bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia, evoking memories of cozy family gatherings. This chili, with its perfect balance of spices and heartiness, is ideal for chilly nights, football Sundays, or whenever you want to treat your loved ones to something truly special.

Why This Recipe Is So Special

What sets My Mom’s Award Winning Chili apart is the perfect blend of hearty flavors and comforting textures. It’s a dish that warms not only the stomach but also the heart. Crafted with love and care, this chili is a family favorite for good reason.

Here are just a few reasons to love it:

• Deep, rich flavors that develop over hours of cooking
• Easy to prepare and makes enough to feed a crowd
• Versatile and customizable for any palate
• Perfectly balances spicy and savory notes

Gather These Ingredients

Before cooking, ensure you’re stocked up on the following essential ingredients. Each plays a vital role, and there are some easy swaps you can make if needed.

• 3 to 4 lbs of ground beef (80/20 Mix)
• 1 large and 1 medium sized yellow onion (mince the large onion finely and then dice the medium sized onion)
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, chopped or crushed
• 2 green peppers, seeded and diced
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced (can omit if you cannot find)
• 3 or 4 14.5 ounce cans of fire roasted diced tomatoes (she buys the one at Aldi; you can substitute other diced tomatoes if necessary)
• 1/3 cup of chili powder (she always ends up adding a little more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of smoked or regular paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili pepper flakes (you can adjust this based on your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (she sometimes uses a unique chipotle cinnamon we have that’s special)
• Just under 1 tablespoon of sugar (this helps reduce acidity)
• A couple of shakes of dried Italian seasoning or oregano (about 1/4 teaspoon)
• A little bit of cooking oil or butter

Helpful Tools for This Recipe

These tools make chili prep easier and help you get the deepest, richest flavor:

• Dutch oven – ideal for browning the meat and slow-simmering the chili
• Meat masher – perfect for breaking the ground beef into even crumbles
• Silicone turner – great for sautéing the vegetables without scratching your pot
• Stainless steel mixing bowls – useful for prepping vegetables and spices ahead of time

Step by Step Guide to Cooking My Mom’s Award Winning Chili

1. Begin by adding your butter or cooking oil to a stock pot. Next, toss in your minced large onion, diced medium onion, green peppers, poblano pepper, and chopped garlic. Sauté everything until it’s golden brown and soft, allowing the vegetables to release their flavors.
2. Now, add your ground beef to the pot. Cook it all the way through, breaking the meat into a crumble as it cooks. Mom prefers not to drain the beef, allowing it to cook in its own drippings to enhance flavor, but feel free to drain it if desired.
3. Once the meat is fully cooked, season it with garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, cinnamon, chili powder, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and sugar. Sauté the mixed ingredients together for a minute or two to help the spices bloom, then taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
4. Add the cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes into the pot without draining them. Stir everything well, bringing it all to a gentle simmer.
5. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. If you prefer to use a crockpot, you can transfer everything after step 3 and let it cook low and slow for 6 to 8 hours.
6. As the chili cooks, feel free to use a ground meat chopper to break up the tomatoes more, but don’t worry if there are a few chunks left; they add character.
7. When your chili has finished cooking, you can serve it right away. Use a ladle to skim off any excess fat that has risen to the top. The liquid will thicken up as it cools after being removed from heat.
8. If you want to prepare this dish in advance, making it a day ahead is a great idea. Allow it to cool, cover, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, and you can remove any solidified fat before reheating.
9. Optionally, you can add a can of kidney beans or black beans when you add the tomatoes. Mom typically leaves the kidney beans as they are, while she slightly drains and rinses the black beans.
10. This chili freezes excellently, making it a perfect option for meal prep.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 2 to 3 hours, Total ~ 2 hours 15 minutes, Servings ~ 8-10, Kcal ~ 400 (approx.)

Plan Ahead for Easy Meals

If you want to enjoy My Mom’s Award Winning Chili later, you can prepare some ingredients in advance. Chop your vegetables the night before, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to go. The flavors develop beautifully if you let it sit overnight, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch!

How to Store Leftovers

Storing leftovers properly ensures that your chili remains delicious. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, My Mom’s Award Winning Chili also freezes well for up to 3 months.

When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. For the best results, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to keep it moist.

Serving Suggestions

My Mom’s Award Winning Chili pairs wonderfully with several accompaniments:

• Fresh cornbread, for that delightful crunch
• Sour cream, adding a creamy texture and cool flavor
• Shredded cheese, which melts beautifully over hot chili
• Tortilla chips, perfect for dipping or topping
• Sliced jalapeños, adding a spicy kick
• A simple side salad, offering a refreshing contrast

Flavor Twists and Swaps

Get creative with My Mom’s Award Winning Chili by trying some of these variations:

• Add a can of diced green chilies for extra heat and flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Incorporate different beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety.
• Experiment with different types of tomatoes, such as crushed tomatoes or San Marzano for a unique taste.
• Adjust the chili spices based on your personal heat preference, adding chipotle powder for smokiness.
• Include vegetables like zucchini or carrots to boost nutrition.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with textured vegetable protein or lentils.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute the heat evenly while cooking.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom.
• Allow the chili to sit after cooking; it tastes even better the next day.
• Feel free to taste and adjust the seasonings as you like; everyone’s palate is different.

Your Questions, Answered

• How can I add more beans to this chili?
  You can add canned kidney or black beans when you add the tomatoes. It’s great for adding fiber and making the dish even heartier.
• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
  Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that pairs well with the spices in this chili.
• Is this chili suitable for freezing?
  Yes, My Mom’s Award Winning Chili can be frozen for up to three months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
• What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
  If it turns out too spicy, stirring in a bit of sour cream or yogurt can help mellow the heat. You can also add more diced tomatoes to dilute the spiciness.
• Can I make this chili vegetarian?
  Definitely! Just replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute, and make sure the broth and seasonings align with your dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

My Mom’s Award Winning Chili is more than a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth, comfort, and the love of family. Its rich flavors and cozy warmth make it the perfect dish for any occasion, inviting friends and family to gather. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the aroma filling your home, and enjoy every comforting bite of this beloved family recipe. Make it soon, share the joy, and create memories that will last for years to come!

Print