First Place Chili Recipe: Bold, Hearty, and Delicious
This First Place Chili Recipe is rich, hearty, and full of bold flavors. Made with ground beef, beans, spices, and tomatoes, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing chili that simmers into perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 large onion, chopped
2 green bell peppers, chopped
2 red bell peppers, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices
Instructions
1. Prep the vegetables: dice the onion, chop the peppers, and mince the garlic.
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
3. Add onion, green peppers, and red peppers to the pot. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and onions are translucent.
4. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans until well combined.
6. Pour in the beef broth and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
7. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour (up to 2–3 hours for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally. For thicker chili, simmer uncovered during the last 30 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more spices. Stir in brown sugar if the chili tastes too acidic.
9. Serve hot in bowls with optional garnishes like cilantro, cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.
Notes
Simmering longer develops a deeper flavor—2 to 3 hours is best if you have time.
Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best results.
Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs take this chili to the next level.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/first-place-chili-recipe/