My Mom’s Award Winning Chili Recipe

If you love a hearty, comforting bowl of chili that has earned its stripes at countless family gatherings and local cook-offs, then you are in for a treat with My Mom’s Award Winning Chili. This recipe is not just any chili; it boasts a rich blend of spices, perfectly balanced textures from tender ground beef and fire-roasted tomatoes, and a subtle hint of sweetness that elevates every spoonful. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply crave a warming meal, this chili delivers deep, satisfying flavors that have stood the test of time in my family kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

My Mom’s Award Winning Chili is built around a handful of simple and wholesome ingredients that work together to create a luxurious taste experience. Each component plays a crucial role, from the quality ground beef lending a rich base to the fire-roasted tomatoes adding a smoky depth and vibrant color.

• 3 to 4 lbs of ground beef (80/20 Mix): The perfect fat content ensures juicy, flavorful meat that forms the chili’s hearty foundation.
• 1 large yellow onion (minced) and 1 medium yellow onion (diced): Using two textures of onion adds both body and subtle bursts of sweetness.
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves (chopped or crushed): Garlic adds that essential punch of aromatic flavor that makes the dish truly irresistible.
• 2 green peppers (seeded and diced): These brighten the chili with a fresh crunch and mild peppery notes.
• 1 poblano pepper (seeded and diced, optional): Adds a deep, smoky heat that can be omitted if unavailable or if you prefer milder chili.
• 3 or 4 14.5 ounce cans of fire roasted diced tomatoes: The star ingredient that brings smoky sweetness and a saucy texture.
• 1/3 cup chili powder: The heart of the spice blend, bringing warmth and just the right kick.
• 1 tablespoon smoked or regular paprika: Infuses earthiness and subtle smokiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt: Enhances the garlic flavor and balances the seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: An extra layer of mellow garlic aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes: Adjustable for your heat preference, these add sparks of heat throughout.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A surprising twist that adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Just under 1 tablespoon sugar: Cuts the acidity from the tomatoes and rounds out the flavors.
• A couple of shakes of dried Italian seasoning or oregano: Adds herbal brightness and complexity.
• Little bit of cooking oil or butter: For sautéing the vegetables and building flavor from the start.

How to Make My Mom’s Award Winning Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating your cooking oil or butter in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the minced large onion, diced medium onion, green peppers, poblano peppers, and garlic cloves. Sauté everything until the vegetables become soft and golden brown. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and creates the flavor base for your chili.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add your ground beef directly into the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks through until no pink remains. Mom’s tip is not to drain the meat — letting the beef cook in its own drippings adds richness and depth. You can skim excess fat off later if you prefer a leaner chili.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Once the beef is fully cooked, sprinkle in your chili powder, paprika, garlic salt, garlic powder, chili flakes, cinnamon, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Stir everything together and let it sauté for a minute or two to toast the spices and lock in their flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or chili powder if needed.

Step 4: Mix in the Fire-Roasted Tomatoes

Pour in the cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes along with their juices. Give the pot a thorough stir and bring everything to a simmer. This step infuses the meat and vegetables with smoky tomato goodness, creating the signature sauce of My Mom’s Award Winning Chili.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Lower the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili gently simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. This slow cooking melds the flavors and tenderizes the beef, giving you a chili that’s rich, thick, and irresistibly complex. If you prefer, you can follow these steps in a crock pot and let the chili cook on low for 6 to 8 hours instead.

Step 6: Final Touches

As the chili finishes cooking, use a meat chopper or spoon to break down some of the tomato chunks if desired, leaving a few for texture. If you want to lighten up the chili, skim the fat off the surface once it cools slightly. For added heartiness, feel free to stir in canned kidney or black beans during the tomato step—Mom’s personal choice is no draining on kidney beans and lightly rinsed black beans.

How to Serve My Mom’s Award Winning Chili

Garnishes

Garnishing your bowl of chili lets you customize it exactly how you like it. Fresh shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or a handful of crunchy tortilla chips all add texture and flavor contrasts. If you like a little heat, jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce brighten things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

Chili loves company, so serving it alongside fresh cornbread, warm tortillas, or even crispy taco shells complements the rich flavors perfectly. A crisp green salad or a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes can balance the spices and round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For something fun, ladle the chili into baked potatoes or use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. It also works wonderfully over hot pasta with melted cheese for a hearty chili macaroni twist. When entertaining, cups of chili topped with cheese and scallions make a fantastic appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My Mom’s Award Winning Chili is just as delicious the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, preferably overnight. The flavors develop even more, and the chili thickens up, making each subsequent serving taste even better.

Freezing

This chili freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. When frozen properly, it will keep well for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and enjoy on a busy weeknight.

Reheating

To bring your chili back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too—just cover to retain moisture and heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat for My Mom’s Award Winning Chili?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for an 80/20 ground beef mix, you can experiment with ground turkey, pork, or even a blend. Just keep in mind that beef’s fat content contributes to the flavor and richness the recipe is known for.

Do I have to use fire-roasted tomatoes?

Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky dimension that’s signature to this chili, but if you can’t find them, regular diced tomatoes will work fine. You might want to add a touch of smoked paprika to compensate for the flavor difference.

Is it okay to add beans to the chili?

Yes! Beans are a great addition if you want extra texture and protein. Mom usually adds kidney beans without draining and rinsed black beans lightly drained. However, traditional Texas-style chili typically skips beans, so it depends on your personal preference.

Can I make this chili spicy or mild?

The recipe’s chili flakes and chili powder can be adjusted to suit your heat tolerance. For a milder chili, reduce or omit the chili flakes. To amp up the heat, add extra chili powder or even fresh hot peppers!

How long does the chili keep in the refrigerator?

Stored properly in an airtight container, My Mom’s Award Winning Chili should stay fresh for 4 to 5 days. Always smell and check for freshness before reheating, and consider freezing leftovers if you don’t plan to eat it soon.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a chili recipe that delivers big on flavor and warmth, you simply must give My Mom’s Award Winning Chili a try. It’s a bowl full of love, perfect to enjoy on chilly nights or whenever you want to impress friends and family with a dish that feels like a hug from home. Get your ingredients ready—you’re about to create chili magic that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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