Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Here’s a delicious “Mom’s Award‑Winning Chili” that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, cook‑offs, or cozy nights in 🌶️🥣. It’s built with a hearty base of seasoned meat, tomatoes, beans (optional), and a couple of well‑kept secrets that take it to the next level — including masa to thicken and a touch of chocolate for depth.

🏆 Mom’s Award‑Winning Chili Recipe

Serves: ~10–12 bowls
Cook time: ~2–2½ hours
Style: Thick, savory, classic chili

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4–6 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 tbsp chili powder (bold flavor!)

• 4 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 2–3 lbs ground beef (or beef + pork mix)

• 4 cans (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 2 cans beans (pinto or kidney), drained & rinsed (optional)

• 3 bay leaves

• 2 tbsp masa harina (corn flour) – thickens & adds mild corn flavor

• 2 oz semi‑sweet baking chocolate – blends and deepens the chili without sweetness

🍲 Directions

1. Sauté aromatics
   Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant.

2. Brown the meat
   Add ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks until nicely browned. Season with salt and pepper and mix well with the onions and garlic.

3. Add spices
   Stir in chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, and onion powder until the meat and veggies are coated in spices.

4. Add liquids & tomatoes
   Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce. Add bay leaves, then bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Simmer low and slow
   Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer for 1½–2 hours, uncovered or partially covered, so the flavors can deepen and the liquid reduces slightly.

6. Thicken & enrich
   Mix masa harina with a bit of warm water to make a slurry, then stir it into the chili. Add the semi‑sweet chocolate and stir until melted — this enriches the sauce and rounds out acidity. Simmer another 10 minutes.

7. Finish & serve
   Remove bay leaves, adjust salt and spice to taste, and serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cornbread.

🍽️ Tips for Next‑Level Flavor

• Beans optional: Traditional Texas chili skips beans, but many home chili recipes include them for extra body.

• Chocolate isn’t sweet: Adding a bit of semi‑sweet or dark chocolate doesn’t make it dessert‑like — it deepens savory flavor and balances acidity.

• Rest it: Chili often tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to meld.

🧑‍🍳 Topping Ideas

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Fresh cilantro or green onions

• Sliced jalapeños

• Cornbread or tortilla chips on the side

If you want a bean‑free Texas chili version or a slow cooker adaptation, just let me know! 🌶️🔥