The Best First Place Chili Recipe That Always Wins Hearts
Crafting the ultimate first place chili recipe demands passion and a sprinkle of culinary magic.
Bold spices dance through each hearty bite, promising a flavor explosion.
Home cooks everywhere dream of creating that championship-worthy dish.
Competition-level chili isn’t just about heat, it’s an art form with carefully balanced ingredients.
Subtle nuances separate good from extraordinary, turning simple ingredients into a legendary meal.
Each carefully measured spoonful tells a story of dedication and skill.
You’ll want to gather your pots and let this recipe become your next kitchen triumph.
Why First Place Chili Recipe Always Wins Big
What Goes Into First Place Chili Recipe
Meat Base:Beans and Tomatoes:Spices and Seasonings:Thickening Agent:How To Make First Place Chili Recipe At Home
Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel
Activate a large stew pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, preparing the foundation for a delicious chili adventure.
Step 2: Brown the Meaty Base
Introduce and combine:Cook the ingredients until the meat transforms to a rich brown color and onions become soft and translucent, breaking down the meat into delicate crumbles using a wooden spoon.
Step 3: Eliminate Excess Grease
Carefully drain away any surplus fat to ensure a clean, non-greasy chili experience.
Step 4: Create the Flavor Symphony
Incorporate these ingredients:Stir everything together to blend the spices and create a harmonious flavor profile.
Step 5: Optional Thickening Touch
If desired, sprinkle in masa harina to add body and richness to the chili.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the chili to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat and cover the pot.
Step 7: Slow Cook and Develop Flavors
Allow the chili to simmer for a minimum of one hour, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 8: Alternative Slow Cooker Method
Prefer a hands-off approach? Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and set on low for 4 hours, letting the flavors meld and intensify.
Tips For The Best First Place Chili Recipe
Creative Takes On First Place Chili Recipe
Perfect Pairings For First Place Chili Recipe
How To Store First Place Chili Recipe Correctly
FAQs For First Place Chili Recipe
The combination of pork sausage and ground beef creates a rich, deep flavor profile that sets this chili apart from traditional recipes.
Yes, easily control the heat by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and add gradually to match your spice preference.
Masa harina is optional but recommended. It helps thicken the chili and adds a subtle corn flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and develop. It’s perfect for meal prep or making in advance for gatherings.
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First Place Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (stovetop) or 4 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker)
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Spicy First Place Chili delivers a championship-worthy blend of robust flavors that dance across your palate. Hearty beef, smoky spices, and rich tomato sauce combine in a winning recipe that promises culinary triumph for home cooks seeking bold, satisfying comfort.
Ingredients
Meats:
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 large white onion
- 10 ounces tomatoes and green chiles
- 16 ounces chili beans
- 15 ounces beans (great Northern, kidney, or black beans)
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons masa harina
Instructions
- Prepare a large stew pot or Dutch oven, heating it to medium temperature.
- Combine pork sausage, ground beef, and chopped onion in the pot, breaking meat into small crumbles while cooking until meat browns and onions soften, approximately 15 minutes.
- Carefully drain accumulated fat to maintain a lean, non-greasy texture.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, chili beans, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, salt, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Sprinkle masa harina into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to enhance the chili’s thickness and provide a subtle corn undertone.
- Gradually reduce heat and allow the chili to reach a gentle simmer, creating a low, consistent bubbling effect.
- Cover the pot and let the chili develop its rich flavors, stirring intermittently to prevent ingredient adherence to the bottom, maintaining a consistent low heat for approximately 1 hour.
- For a more convenient preparation method, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker, setting it to low temperature and allowing the chili to meld together over 4 hours.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef and pork sausage to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier chili.
- Experiment with different bean varieties like black beans or kidney beans for diverse flavor profiles and nutritional variety.
- Add a splash of beer or red wine during simmering to enhance depth and complexity of the chili’s flavor.
- Include extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and texture without compromising the classic chili taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (stovetop) or 4 hours (slow cooker)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 283 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 558 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Michael Thompson
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR
ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR
Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.
Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.