As the chill of winter settles in and evenings grow longer, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of simmering chili wafting through the kitchen. I discovered this Award Winning Chili on a crisp day while searching for a dish to warm both body and soul, and it has since become my go-to comfort food. Imagine a hearty blend of tender ground beef and pork melding together with fresh garlic, vibrant bell peppers, and a secret ingredient: red enchilada sauce, adding an unexpected depth of flavor that will leave you and your guests raving.
With game days and family gatherings on the horizon, this chili is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly versatile. You can whip it up on the stovetop or let it slow-cook to perfection in a crockpot, allowing all those rich flavors to develop beautifully. Grab your favorite bowl, load it up with toppings, and cozy up to a dish that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl—let’s dive into this award-winning recipe together!
Why is this Award Winning Chili so special?
Comforting and Hearty: This Award Winning Chili is the perfect meal for any occasion, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Flavor Explosion: With a delightful mix of ground beef, pork, and fresh vegetables, this chili offers a rich, savory taste.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you’re in a hurry or have time to spare, you can choose between stovetop or slow cooker methods for ultimate convenience.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings and game days, everyone will love customizing their bowls with vibrant toppings like cheese and avocado.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch, and freeze the leftovers for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes just as amazing.
This Award Winning Chili promises to speak to your taste buds and heart like no other dish. For more amazing comfort recipes, consider checking out our guide on creating the best homemade soups!
Award Winning Chili Ingredients
• Below is everything you’ll need to create this comforting and hearty Award Winning Chili.
For the Meat
- Ground Beef – Provides hearty flavor and protein; opt for 80/20 for the best balance of moisture and flavor.
- Ground Pork – Adds richness and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the beef well.
For the Vegetables
- Yellow Onion – Enhances the base flavor of the chili and provides sweetness when cooked down.
- Green Bell Pepper – Adds mild sweetness and crunch to the mix.
- Red Bell Pepper – Contributes a bit of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Garlic – Infuses the chili with a savory aroma; using fresh cloves yields the best results.
For the Beans
- Black Beans – Provides texture and additional nutrition; must be drained and rinsed.
- Kidney Beans – Offers a hearty texture that complements the other beans.
- Pinto Beans – Complements the other beans and adds a creamy texture.
For the Sauce and Spices
- Diced Tomatoes – Contributes acidity and a juicy texture; undrained adds moisture to the chili.
- Red Enchilada Sauce – Adds depth and a robust flavor; consider La Victoria brand for the best results.
- Chili Powder – Acts as the main spice; provides smokiness without heat. Adjust according to spice preference.
- Cumin – Adds warmth that complements the chili powder well.
- Bay Leaves – Imparts a subtle earthy flavor during cooking; remember to remove before serving.
- Sugar – Balances acidity from tomatoes and enchilada sauce; don’t omit!
- Cayenne Pepper (optional) – For those who like it spicy; tailor to taste.
- Tapatio Hot Sauce (optional) – A final touch for heat, depending on user preference.
For Garnishing
- Garnishes – Consider chopped cilantro, green onions, avocado, sour cream, and cheese for a variety of flavors and textures.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a bowl of Award Winning Chili that promises warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful!
How to Make Award Winning Chili
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, ground pork, yellow onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until everything is browned and fragrant.
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Mix Ingredients: Next, stir in the drained black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, red enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, bay leaves, sugar, cayenne pepper, and, if you want extra heat, the optional Tapatio Hot Sauce. Make sure to combine everything well!
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Simmer: Pour in enough water to cover the mixture (about 1-2 cups). Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1-2 hours. For more depth of flavor, you can simmer it up to 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
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Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference!
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Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of garnishes like chopped cilantro, green onions, avocado, sour cream, and cheese for that perfect finishing touch.
Optional: Serve with crusty cornbread for a delightful accompaniment.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Award Winning Chili preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can sauté the aromatics (ground beef, ground pork, onions, and peppers) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them. The beans can also be drained and rinsed ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, simply combine the prepared ingredients with diced tomatoes, red enchilada sauce, and spices, then simmer as usual for about 1-2 hours. This ensures your chili develops its rich flavors while remaining just as delicious, even after preparing it ahead!
Storage Tips for Award Winning Chili
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Fridge: Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This ensures it remains fresh and ready to reheat for a quick meal.
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Freezer: Freeze chili for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to avoid condensation, which can dilute the flavors.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Enjoy that comforting taste of your Award Winning Chili again!
Expert Tips for Award Winning Chili
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Simmer Longer: Allow the chili to simmer longer for deeper flavor development. Some even recommend simmering overnight for optimal taste.
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Taste Test: After simmering, always taste and adjust the seasonings. This helps to fine-tune the flavors of your Award Winning Chili to suit your individual preference.
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Bean Drainage: Make sure to drain and rinse the black beans and other canned beans before adding them to avoid excess starch and sodium, ensuring a cleaner taste.
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Double It Up: Consider making a double batch. This Award Winning Chili freezes wonderfully, providing you with delicious meals for future busy days.
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Garnish Variety: Don’t skip the garnishes! They add fresh flavors and textures that enhance the overall chili experience. Do explore using different toppings to keep things exciting!
What to Serve with Award Winning Chili?
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a delicious meal spread that’s perfect for cool evenings or lively gatherings.
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Crusty Cornbread: The slightly sweet, buttery notes of cornbread complement the bold flavors of chili, making it a perfect sidekick for every bowl.
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Chive Biscuits: Fluffy and herb-infused, these biscuits add a delicate texture that balances the hearty chili while soaking up every drop.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The crunch and tanginess of coleslaw brings a refreshing element that contrasts wonderfully with the rich, warm chili.
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Spanish Rice: This dish introduces a subtle spice and texture that elevates your chili experience further while providing a hearty base.
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Guacamole and Chips: Creamy avocado dip with crisp chips offers freshness on the side; perfect for scooping up those chili morsels for a fun twist.
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Sparkling Water with Citrus: A light, refreshing drink that cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the flavors without overshadowing the chili’s savory goodness.
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Brownies for Dessert: For the sweet finish, fudgy brownies serve as a delightful contrast to the spice of the chili, wrapping up your meal on a high note.
By offering a variety of textures and flavors, you can create a balanced and memorable meal that brings joy to your table!
Award Winning Chili Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own with these delicious twists, each bringing a unique flavor profile to your bowl.
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Lean Turkey: Swap out ground beef and pork for ground turkey for a lighter chili that still packs a punch.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper for those who love an added heat that will warm your soul.
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, plant-based option that’s just as satisfying.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky depth that elevates the chili to new heights. It’s a layer of complexity that fans will absolutely adore!
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Beans Galore: Experiment with a variety of beans like black-eyed peas or chickpeas for different textures and flavors that keep every bite interesting.
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Cheesy Addition: Stir in shredded cheese towards the end of cooking for an extra creamy texture that melts delightfully into every spoonful.
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Crockpot Convenience: For a hands-off approach, place all ingredients in a slow cooker, allowing it to meld together beautifully while you go about your day.
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Garnish Extravaganza: Don’t forget to mix up your garnishes each time you make this chili! A dollop of guacamole, a sprinkle of feta, or even some crispy bacon will keep your meals exciting.
Let your creativity shine as you explore these amazing variations and find your new favorite rendition of this Award Winning Chili!
Award Winning Chili Recipe FAQs
What type of ground meat should I use?
I recommend using a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a hearty flavor. Opt for an 80/20 beef blend for moisture and richness. This blend offers the comforting depth of flavor you want in an award-winning chili!
How do I know if my beans are fresh and ripe?
When selecting canned beans, look for those without any dark spots or dents on the can. Fresh beans should not have swollen or bulging lids. If you use dried beans, ensure they are within their shelf life—typically no more than a year old for the best cooking results.
What’s the best way to store leftover chili?
Absolutely! Leftover chili can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer preservation, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure it cools completely before freezing to maintain flavor.
Can I freeze my Award Winning Chili? How?
Yes, you can freeze your chili! Let it cool down to room temperature, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Flatten the bags for easier storage. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through!
What if my chili is too spicy?
If you find your chili has turned out spicier than you intended, don’t worry! You can add a dollop of sour cream or a little extra sugar to balance the heat. Alternatively, stir in some extra diced tomatoes or beans to dilute the spice further—keeping the chili enjoyable and delicious!
Is this chili pet-friendly?
No, this chili isn’t suitable for pets. Ingredients like garlic, onion, and certain spices can be harmful to dogs and cats. It’s best to keep any leftovers away from furry friends to ensure their safety!
Delicious Award Winning Chili to Warm Your Soul
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the ground beef, ground pork, yellow onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until browned and fragrant.
- Stir in the drained black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, red enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, bay leaves, sugar, cayenne pepper, and Tapatio Hot Sauce.
- Pour in enough water to cover the mixture (about 1-2 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and let it simmer for 1-2 hours.
- After simmering, adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve the chili in bowls and garnish with cilantro, green onions, avocado, sour cream, and cheese.