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First Place Chili

This First Place Chili combines rich beef, tomatoes, and spices to create a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended) For flavor and moisture
  • 1 large Onion, chopped
  • 2 large Green Bell Peppers, chopped
  • 2 large Red Bell Peppers, chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 cans Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz each)
  • 1 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz)
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes, undrained (15 oz)
  • 1 can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz)
  • 1 can Black Beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz)
  • 1 can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz)
  • 1 cup Beef Broth
Spices and Seasoning
  • ¼ cup Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Ground Cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Garnishes
  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional)
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (optional)
  • Chopped Green Onions (optional)
  • Jalapeño slices (optional, for extra heat lovers)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by chopping the onion and bell peppers into uniform pieces. Mince the garlic.
Cooking
  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, ensuring you get a nice sear. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and spices. Cook for a minute to let the spices release their flavors.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with liquid), and the beans into the pot. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  6. Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 hours). Stir occasionally.
  7. For a thicker chili, uncover for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  8. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning. If too acidic, consider adding the optional brown sugar.
  9. Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish as desired.

Notes

Chili freezes beautifully! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Choose the Right Beef: 80/20 blend for best flavor and moisture. Don’t Rush the Simmer: Let it simmer longer for better flavor blending.