Introduction

Weeknights in our household are a beautiful chaos of homework help, after-school sports, and the constant hum of busy family life. Finding the time to create a meal that’s both satisfying and genuinely delicious can sometimes feel like an Olympic sport. For years, my secret weapon in this weeknight dinner dilemma has been this chili recipe. And not just any chili recipe – this is my award-winning chili, the one that’s consistently earned rave reviews from friends, family, and even a few local cooking competitions (yes, ribbons were involved!). The best part? While it tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, this version is specifically streamlined for busy weeknights. We’re talking minimal prep, quick cooking, and maximum flavor impact. My family absolutely adores this chili. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen, and the first bite is always met with contented sighs. It’s hearty, flavorful, customizable to everyone’s spice preferences, and incredibly comforting – exactly what you need after a long day. If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s guaranteed to be a hit, look no further. Get ready to experience chili perfection, simplified!

Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor

To create this award-winning chili, you’ll need a selection of quality ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich, complex flavor profile that makes this chili so special. Let’s break down each ingredient and understand why it’s essential for chili perfection:

1 lb Ground Beef: The heart and soul of most chilis, ground beef provides a robust, savory base. For the best flavor and texture, opt for ground beef that is around 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This little bit of fat renders down as it cooks, adding moisture and depth of flavor to the chili. While leaner ground beef can be used, you might find the chili a bit drier, so consider adding a touch more beef broth if needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of ground beef – ground chuck or even a blend of ground beef and ground sirloin can elevate the flavor profile even further, lending a richer, more beefy taste that chili aficionados will truly appreciate. For a truly gourmet touch, consider using ground brisket for an incredibly tender and flavorful chili base.
32 oz Beef Broth: Beef broth is the liquid backbone of our chili, providing moisture and a foundational beefy flavor that complements the ground beef beautifully. Using a good quality beef broth is crucial. Low-sodium options are great as they allow you to control the salt level precisely. For a deeper, richer flavor, consider using bone broth or even homemade beef stock if you have the time. These options are packed with collagen and nutrients and will contribute to a more luxurious texture and a more intense beef flavor. If you’re in a pinch, even bouillon cubes dissolved in water will work, but try to opt for a low-sodium variety and adjust seasoning accordingly.
2 Cups Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes bring a vibrant, slightly acidic tomato flavor and a wonderful texture to the chili. Look for good quality crushed tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted for an extra layer of smoky depth. Fire-roasted tomatoes have been charred over an open flame, which intensifies their sweetness and adds a subtle smoky nuance that elevates the overall chili flavor. If you can’t find fire-roasted, regular crushed tomatoes are perfectly fine. You can also experiment with different tomato products. Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, or even tomato paste (used sparingly in addition to crushed tomatoes) can be incorporated to adjust the texture and tomato intensity of your chili.
4 oz Can Diced Green Chiles: Diced green chiles are the secret ingredient that adds a subtle warmth and a characteristic Southwestern flavor to this chili without overpowering it with heat. Look for mild diced green chiles unless you prefer a spicier base. Roasted green chiles, like Hatch chiles if you can find them, will add an even more complex, smoky flavor. For those who are sensitive to spice, ensure you are using mild green chiles. If you want to amp up the heat, you can opt for hot diced green chiles, or even add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the chili while it simmers.
15 oz Can Garbanzo Beans, Drained: Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, add a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the chili, making it more substantial and satisfying. Draining and rinsing the garbanzo beans is important to remove excess sodium and any starchy liquid from the can. While kidney beans are traditional in chili, garbanzo beans offer a delightful textural contrast and a unique flavor dimension that sets this recipe apart. If you are not a fan of garbanzo beans, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even more kidney beans.
15 oz Can Kidney Beans, Drained: Kidney beans are a classic chili staple, providing a hearty, earthy flavor and a beautiful red color. Like the garbanzo beans, it’s crucial to drain and rinse the kidney beans before adding them to the chili to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid. Dark red kidney beans are the most common choice for chili, but light red kidney beans will also work. You can even use a mix of dark and light red kidney beans for a slightly more complex flavor profile. For a truly authentic chili experience, consider using dried kidney beans that have been soaked and cooked until tender. This will require more preparation time but will result in beans with a superior texture and flavor.
3 Tablespoons Chili Powder: Chili powder is the cornerstone spice blend for chili, providing a warm, complex, and slightly smoky flavor. Not all chili powders are created equal! Look for a good quality chili powder blend that contains a mix of dried chiles, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Experiment with different brands and blends to find your favorite flavor profile. For a deeper, richer chili flavor, consider making your own chili powder blend using individual spices. This allows you to customize the spice levels and flavor notes to your exact preference.
2 Tablespoons Cumin: Cumin is a warm, earthy spice that is essential for authentic chili flavor. It adds a depth and complexity that complements the chili powder beautifully. Ground cumin is readily available and works perfectly in this recipe. For an even more intense cumin flavor, you can toast cumin seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant, then grind them yourself using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Freshly ground cumin will have a brighter, more vibrant flavor than pre-ground cumin.
½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a subtle garlic flavor that enhances the overall savory notes of the chili. While fresh garlic can be used, garlic powder is a convenient and effective way to impart garlic flavor evenly throughout the chili. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can sauté 2-3 cloves of minced garlic with the ground beef before adding the other ingredients. Just be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can become bitter.
1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt: Salt is crucial for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients in the chili. Kosher salt is preferred by many cooks because of its larger crystals, which make it easier to pinch and distribute evenly. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste as needed. Remember that you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away. Taste the chili throughout the simmering process and adjust the salt accordingly.
1 Teaspoon Chipotle Powder (Optional): Chipotle powder is ground, smoked jalapeño peppers, and it adds a smoky heat and a complex flavor dimension to the chili. This is optional, but highly recommended if you enjoy a chili with a bit of a kick. Chipotle powder is not just about heat; it also adds a unique smoky and slightly sweet flavor that complements the other spices beautifully. If you are sensitive to heat, start with ½ teaspoon or even ¼ teaspoon and taste before adding more. For those who love extra heat, feel free to add more chipotle powder or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cooked White Rice for Serving: White rice is a classic and simple base for serving chili. The fluffy, slightly neutral flavor of white rice allows the rich flavors of the chili to shine through. Long-grain white rice or basmati rice are excellent choices. You can also use brown rice for a more nutritious option, or even quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.
Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese for Serving: Shredded cheese is the quintessential chili topping, adding a creamy, melty richness and a touch of sharpness that balances the savory flavors of the chili. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend are all excellent choices. Experiment with different types of cheese to find your personal favorite. Pepper jack cheese will add a spicy kick, while a smoked Gouda or Gruyere will bring a more sophisticated flavor.

Instructions: Simple Steps to Chili Success

Creating this award-winning chili is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious, hearty chili simmering in no time, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering:

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, place the ground beef and set over medium heat. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the beef as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Browning the beef creates Maillard reaction, which produces hundreds of flavor compounds that significantly enhance the taste of the chili. As the beef cooks, it will release fat.
Drain Excess Fat: Once the ground beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess fat from the pot. Too much fat can make the chili greasy and detract from the overall flavor. Draining the fat is essential for achieving a balanced and delicious chili. You can tilt the pot and use a spoon to carefully scoop out the fat, or you can use a fat separator if you have one.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Now, it’s time to build the flavor base of your chili. To the pot with the browned beef (and drained fat), add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced green chiles, drained garbanzo beans, drained kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and kosher salt. If you are using chipotle powder for extra spice, add it now as well. Stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the chili mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. Simmering is key for allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. A low simmer ensures that the chili is cooking slowly and evenly, allowing the spices to bloom and the flavors to harmonize.
Simmer for 20 Minutes (or Longer): Simmer the chili for at least 20 minutes, or longer if you have the time. The longer you simmer the chili, the more the flavors will develop and the thicker it will become as the liquid reduces slightly. For an even richer and more complex flavor, you can simmer the chili for 30-45 minutes, or even longer. Just be sure to check it occasionally and add a little more beef broth if it becomes too thick. Taste the chili after 20 minutes and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, chili powder, cumin, or chipotle powder to reach your desired flavor profile.
Serve and Garnish: Once the chili has simmered to your liking, it’s ready to serve! Ladle the hot chili over cooked white rice in bowls. Top generously with shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese. For extra flavor and visual appeal, consider adding other toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced onions, or jalapeño slices. Enjoy your award-winning weeknight chili!

Nutrition Facts: A Hearty and Wholesome Meal

This award-winning chili is not only delicious but also provides a good source of nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Servings: 5
Calories: Approximately 448 kcal per serving

Please note that these are estimations and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, the lean-to-fat ratio of the ground beef, and serving sizes. Chili is a good source of protein from the ground beef and beans, fiber from the beans and tomatoes, and various vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and spices. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that can be part of a balanced diet. To make it even healthier, you can use leaner ground beef, increase the amount of beans, and serve it with brown rice instead of white rice. You can also add more vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or corn to boost the nutrient content further.

Preparation Time: Quick and Easy Weeknight Cooking

One of the best things about this award-winning chili recipe is its speed and ease of preparation. It’s designed for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

The minimal prep time mainly involves gathering your ingredients and opening cans. The cook time is relatively short, allowing the chili to simmer and develop flavor quickly. This makes it a perfect recipe for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still want a home-cooked, flavorful meal.

How to Serve: Chili Beyond the Bowl

While a classic bowl of chili is always satisfying, there are many creative ways to serve this award-winning recipe and enjoy it in different contexts. Here are some serving suggestions to spark your culinary imagination:

Classic Bowl with Rice: The most traditional and comforting way to serve chili. A bed of fluffy white rice provides the perfect base to soak up all the flavorful chili goodness.
Chili Cheese Fries: Take your fries to the next level by smothering them in chili and melted cheese. A decadent and fun treat that’s perfect for game day or a casual meal.
Chili Dogs: Top your favorite hot dogs with a generous ladle of chili and your choice of toppings. A classic American comfort food that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Chili Mac and Cheese: Combine the comforting flavors of chili with creamy mac and cheese for a truly indulgent and satisfying meal.
Chili Baked Potatoes: Stuff baked potatoes with chili for a hearty and customizable meal. Offer a variety of toppings like sour cream, cheese, green onions, and bacon bits.
Chili Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings for a fun and shareable appetizer or meal.
Chili Cornbread Casserole: Layer cornbread batter with chili and cheese for a comforting and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Soup and Sandwich Combo: Serve a smaller bowl of chili alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a crusty bread for a complete and comforting lunch or light dinner.

Toppings Galore: Don’t forget the toppings! Setting up a chili topping bar allows everyone to customize their bowl to their liking. Here are some popular and delicious chili topping ideas:

Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a cool and creamy tanginess
Chopped Cilantro: Fresh and herbaceous, brightens up the chili
Diced Red or White Onions: Adds a sharp and pungent bite
Jalapeño Slices: For those who like extra heat
Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy and rich, adds healthy fats
Tortilla Chips or Crumbled Cornbread: For added texture and crunch
Hot Sauce: For extra spice customization

Additional Tips for Chili Perfection

Even though this recipe is already award-winning and easy, here are a few extra tips to elevate your chili game and ensure chili perfection every time:

Spice it Your Way: Chili is incredibly versatile when it comes to spice levels. Adjust the chipotle powder and chili powder to your preference. For a milder chili, reduce or omit the chipotle powder and use a mild chili powder blend. For extra heat, add more chipotle powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños or serranos. Taste as you go and adjust the spices to achieve your ideal level of warmth and flavor.
Beef Up the Beef: For an even richer and more flavorful chili, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground chuck. Ground chuck has a higher fat content than ground beef, which will render down and add extra moisture and flavor. You can also experiment with using ground brisket or even adding chunks of stew beef for a heartier, meatier chili. Browning the beef in batches, without overcrowding the pot, will also enhance the browning and flavor development.
Low and Slow Simmering: While 20 minutes of simmering is sufficient for a quick weeknight meal, simmering the chili for longer – 30-45 minutes or even an hour – will significantly deepen the flavors and improve the overall texture. Low and slow simmering allows the spices to fully bloom, the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the chili to thicken slightly as the liquid reduces. If you have the time, longer simmering is always better for chili.
Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: This chili recipe can easily be adapted to be vegetarian or vegan without sacrificing flavor. Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles (like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger crumbles) or lentils. Lentils will add a hearty texture and protein. Ensure you are using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. All the other ingredients are naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Magic: For even easier weeknight cooking, adapt this recipe for your slow cooker or Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, brown the ground beef on the stovetop, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with all the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the ground beef, then add all other ingredients. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Slow cooking and pressure cooking both result in incredibly tender and flavorful chili with minimal effort.

FAQ: Your Chili Questions Answered

Got questions about making the perfect chili? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot and become a chili-making pro:

Q: Can I make this chili ahead of time?
- A: Absolutely! In fact, chili is often even better the next day or even the day after that. The flavors meld and deepen over time as it sits in the refrigerator. Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for easy and delicious meals. Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I freeze this chili for longer storage?
- A: Yes, chili freezes exceptionally well! This makes it a great recipe for meal prepping and stocking your freezer. Let the chili cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Q: Can I use different types of beans in this chili?
- A: Definitely! Chili is very forgiving and adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different types of beans based on your preference and what you have on hand. Black beans, pinto beans, great northern beans, or even cannellini beans would all work well in this recipe. You can also use a combination of different beans for a more complex flavor and texture.
Q: I don’t have diced green chiles, can I still make the chili?
- A: Yes, you can definitely still make delicious chili even without diced green chiles. While they add a characteristic flavor, they are not essential. If you don’t have them, simply omit them. You could consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to add a little extra flavor dimension if desired. Roasted red peppers, chopped and added to the chili, could also be used as a substitute for a slightly different, sweeter flavor profile.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover chili?
- A: There are several easy ways to reheat leftover chili. The stovetop is a great method: place the chili in a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat chili in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the chili seems too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency.

This award-winning chili recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a weeknight savior, a family pleaser, and a guaranteed comfort food classic. With its simple steps, flavorful ingredients, and endless customization options, you’ll be making and enjoying this chili for years to come. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience chili perfection, simplified!

Chili with Ground Beef and Beans Recipe