First Place Chili Recipe

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

  • Crowd-Pleasing Champion: Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners where everyone craves hearty comfort food.
  • Master Flavor Builders: Combines multiple meats and rich spices to create deep, complex taste layers that elevate traditional chili recipes.
  • Flexible Cooking Options: Adaptable to stovetop or slow cooker methods, making it convenient for cooks with different kitchen preferences and schedules.
  • Beginner-Friendly Technique: Simple step-by-step instructions allow even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required.

What Goes Into First Place Chili Recipe

Meat Base:
  • Pork Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the chili.
  • Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and classic protein component for the dish.
  • Chopped Onion: Adds a savory base flavor and aromatic quality to the chili.
Beans and Tomatoes:
  • Chili Beans: A staple ingredient that provides texture and additional protein.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a fresh tomato flavor to the chili.
  • Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, thick base for the chili sauce.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Garlic Powder: These spices create a complex and traditional chili flavor profile.
  • Salt, Cayenne Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the chili.
Thickening Agent:
  • Masa Harina: A traditional corn flour that helps thicken and adds an authentic Mexican flavor to the chili.

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:
  • Pork sausage
  • Ground beef
  • Chopped onion

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:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chili beans
  • Tomato sauce
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Salt
  • Paprika
  • Oregano
  • Garlic powder
  • Cayenne pepper

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

  • Drain Fat Thoroughly: Remove excess grease by carefully pouring off fat after browning meats to prevent a heavy, oily chili.
  • Break Meat Carefully: Use a wooden spoon to create small, uniform meat crumbles for better texture and even cooking.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Modify cayenne pepper amount to control heat intensity, starting with less and adding gradually.
  • Thicken Smartly: Sprinkle masa harina gradually to achieve desired consistency without creating lumps in the chili.
  • Slow Cook for Depth: Let chili simmer low and slow to develop rich, complex flavors and tenderize meats completely.

Creative Takes On First Place Chili Recipe

  • Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace meat with plant-based protein like black beans, lentils, and quinoa for a hearty meatless version.
  • Low-Carb Keto Chili: Substitute beans with extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates.
  • Turkey Lean Chili: Switch ground beef and pork sausage with ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat protein option.
  • Spicy Southwest Chili: Add roasted green chilies, jalapeños, and increase cayenne pepper for an intense, fiery flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings For First Place Chili Recipe

  • Perfectly Paired Flavor Boosters
  • Crisp Beer Companion: Reach for an amber ale or lager to complement the chili's rich, meaty flavors. The beer's maltiness cuts through the spice and balances the dish's hearty profile.
  • Tangy Topping Twist: Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese and cool sour cream on top to soften the chili's heat and add creamy texture. These toppings create a delightful contrast with the spicy base.
  • Cornbread Sidekick: Serve warm, slightly sweet cornbread alongside the chili to soak up the sauce and provide a comforting, traditional accompaniment. The bread's subtle sweetness perfectly offsets the chili's robust spices.

How To Store First Place Chili Recipe Correctly

  • Store leftover chili in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
  • Transfer chili to a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until heated thoroughly. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.
  • Place chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and add a little liquid if needed. Warm slowly to maintain texture and prevent scorching.

FAQs For First Place Chili Recipe

  • What makes this First Place Chili unique?

The combination of pork sausage and ground beef creates a rich, deep flavor profile that sets this chili apart from traditional recipes.

  • Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, easily control the heat by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and add gradually to match your spice preference.

  • Is masa harina necessary for the recipe?

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.

  • Can I make this chili ahead of time?

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

First Place Chili Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Prepare a large stew pot or Dutch oven, heating it to medium temperature.
  2. 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.
  3. Carefully drain accumulated fat to maintain a lean, non-greasy texture.
  4. Incorporate diced tomatoes, chili beans, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, salt, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Sprinkle masa harina into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to enhance the chili’s thickness and provide a subtle corn undertone.
  6. Gradually reduce heat and allow the chili to reach a gentle simmer, creating a low, consistent bubbling effect.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    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.

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