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The Ultimate Award-Winning Slow-Simmered Chili with Secret Spice Blend

Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, thick chili featuring ground meat, kidney beans, and chunks of tomato, showcasing the best chili recipe.
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You have found the best chili recipe, a hearty ground beef chili with deep, complex flavor perfect for game day or a cozy night dinner. This recipe uses a secret spice blend for an award-winning taste.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (the secret ingredient)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  6. Stir in the secret ingredients: cocoa powder and brown sugar. Mix everything thoroughly.
  7. Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot. Stir gently.
  8. Bring the chili to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it slow-simmer for at least 1.5 hours, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Longer simmering develops deeper flavor.
  9. Taste the chili before serving and adjust salt or heat as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a chili cook off recipe, omit the beans for a classic Texas-style chili.
  • If you prefer an easy slow cooker chili, transfer all ingredients (except the beef broth) to the slow cooker after browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables. Add the broth. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  • This make ahead chili recipe tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully married.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/best-chili-recipe/