Name: Award Winning Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 cup finely diced onion; ½ cup finely diced green bell pepper; ½ cup finely diced celery; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups water or beef broth; 1 can (11 oz) condensed tomato soup; 2 cans (16 oz each) chili beans in sauce; 2 cans (16 oz each) red kidney beans, drained; ¼ cup chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 14 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of flavor-packed goodness, this Award Winning Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect balance of tender ground beef, hearty beans, and a medley of sautéed vegetables, all simmered in a rich tomato base with just the right amount of spice. Every spoonful bursts with warmth and depth, making it an ideal dish to gather around with friends and family. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual get-together, this chili brings coziness and satisfaction to your table in a way few recipes can match.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl filled with thick chili made of dark red kidney beans and browned ground meat in a rich brown sauce, with a silver spoon resting inside the bowl; the bowl is placed on a white plate next to a large piece of golden yellow cornbread with a crumbly texture, and some light brown crispy chips scattered beside the cornbread, all set on a white marbled surface with a folded light blue cloth underneath the plate, and another white bowl of chili blurred in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward chili perfection. Each component here is straightforward yet essential, contributing unique flavors, textures, and colors that make this Award Winning Chili Recipe truly shine.

1 lb lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and that classic chili texture.
1 cup finely diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth after sautéing.
½ cup finely diced green bell pepper: Brings a subtle crunch and fresh flavor.
½ cup finely diced celery: Offers a mild earthiness and complements the peppers.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that lifts the entire dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing veggies without overpowering flavors.
2 cups water or beef broth: Creates a rich base to meld all ingredients together.
1 can (11 oz) condensed tomato soup*: Adds smooth tomato richness and subtle sweetness.
2 cans (16 oz) chili beans in sauce: Brings spicy beans that deepen the chili’s flavor profile.
2 cans (16 oz) red kidney beans, drained: Adds creaminess and hearty texture.
¼ cup chili powder: The essential seasoning giving chili its signature kick.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances garlic flavor gently throughout the pot.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and rounds out all the tastes beautifully.

How to Make Award Winning Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onions, green bell peppers, and celery, letting them cook until soft and translucent, about five minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation that’s both sweet and savory, setting the stage for the chili’s richness.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Next, add the minced garlic and sauté it just for a minute. Garlic releases its fragrant oils quickly, so a short cook keeps its flavor fresh without becoming bitter or overpowering. This little bit of aromatic magic deepens the character of every bite.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Now it’s time to add the star protein. Crumble in the ground beef and cook it thoroughly until it browns beautifully. This caramelization adds a robust, meaty layer to the chili, enhancing both texture and taste with every mouthful.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Pour in the water or beef broth, then stir in condensed tomato soup, chili beans in sauce, drained kidney beans, chili powder, and garlic powder. Give everything a good mix to combine the flavors well. This is the heart of the chili, where every element melds together into a comforting, cohesive dish.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover it and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and deepen. This slow marrying of ingredients truly transforms your chili into an award-winning meal.

Step 6: Optional Thickening

If you prefer your chili thicker, remove the lid and cook the chili uncovered for an additional five to ten minutes. This evaporation step intensifies the flavors and creates a heartier texture that clings beautifully to every spoon.

How to Serve Award Winning Chili Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick chili showing mixed kidney beans, ground meat, and green pepper pieces in a rich dark reddish-brown sauce. Four yellow crispy chips sit on top of the chili as a garnish. A metal spoon is placed inside the bowl at the edge. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred background that includes a white bowl containing more chili and some yellow chips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A bowl of chili is even better when topped with fresh, bright garnishes. Try shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These extras add contrast, creaminess, and a pop of color that make your chili look as fantastic as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty chili with simple sides that complement without competition. Classic cornbread, warm tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad work beautifully to round out the meal and provide varying textures alongside the rich, saucy chili.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chili in baked potato skins for a loaded snack, or spoon it over cooked rice or pasta for a filling dinner. You can also turn it into a chili dog topping or layer it in a chili-taco bake, showcasing the versatility of this Award Winning Chili Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain flavor and freshness. Leftover chili often tastes even better the next day as the spices have extra time to meld.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to three months. Make sure it cools completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Reheating helps revive the wonderful flavors making every bite just as satisfying as the first.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or an extra mix of beans and vegetables. You can increase the chili powder slightly to keep the bold flavor that makes this recipe so special.

What can I use instead of condensed tomato soup?

If you don’t have tomato soup on hand, you can substitute with tomato sauce mixed with a bit of cream or evaporated milk for similar richness and sweetness.

How spicy is this Award Winning Chili Recipe?

This chili has a moderate heat level thanks to the chili powder. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the veggies on the stove, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The slow cook method enhances the depth of flavor even more.

What is the best way to thicken chili if it’s too watery?

Simmering uncovered is the easiest way to thicken your chili naturally. Alternatively, you can stir in a small amount of masa harina or cornmeal for a slight thickening effect and subtle flavor addition.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a well-made chili, and this Award Winning Chili Recipe is a shining example of that. Its blend of hearty ingredients, robust spices, and simple preparation make it a timeless favorite. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it just might become your go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for a warm, tasty meal.