George's Chili - The BEST Chili Recipe (2024)

Want to try the best Chili Recipe? While I was away last week my husband George came up with his own Chili Recipe. Thankfully he saved me a bowl because it is really good. I mean really good, like the best chili recipe. In fact, if you read the comments someone used this recipe and won a chili contest.

George's Chili - The BEST Chili Recipe (1)

Thank you for stopping by today. Please check out more delicious recipes, comment and let me know how your family liked this one!

Maybe I should change the name to “award-winning chili recipe.” So if you have searched for the best homemade chili recipe I think we have one for you. You will love the slow-cooked chili full of flavor! Thank you, George!

How do you make hearty chili?

Just follow the instructions and you will have a blue ribbon chili! I think adding a can of diced tomatoes and green chilis along with the other tomatoes give it a nice flavor. My husband says it is the beer that makes this chili.

Another difference might be the omission of tomato sauce. He used three different kinds of beans. I would make sure to use western-style ranch beans and the mild chili beans, but you could substitute black beans or kidney beans drained for the pinto beans. Be careful though with substitutions. From the comments, this recipe is good as is.

Grab a large pot and let’s get cooking.I think you could also use a slow cooker for this recipe. Just be sure you are stirring occasionally.

What ingredients do you need for chili?

  • Lean ground beef
  • Ground sausage (we like sage flavored)
  • Chopped onion
  • Chopped garlic (I know some people substitute garlic powder NOT garlic salt, but we always use fresh and a garlic press)
  • Beans
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Cayenne pepper (ground red pepper)
  • Paprika
  • Tomato Paste
  • Beef Broth
  • Canned diced tomatoes
  • Rotel,diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Beer (George’s special ingredient)

The Best Chili Recipe

So here it is an award-winning chili recipe! You will see loads of information online about how to thicken chili. If you ever need to do that just make a slurrywith about a 1/4-cup of the chili liquid and 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch if gluten-free. However, you won’t need to thicken this recipe. In fact, one of the commenters added a bit more beef broth to make it a little less thick.

Now you know how to make the best chili EVER!I do hope you love this beef chili, it really doesn’t even need any of these toppings!

What toppings go with chili?

We love our chili topped with:

  • chopped onions
  • jalapenos
  • shredded cheddar cheese.
  • sour cream
  • avocado
  • salsa or ketchup (I am not a fan of this, but I see so many people pour on the ketchup)
  • tabasco
George's Chili - The BEST Chili Recipe (2)

What sides go with chili?

Serve any of these ideas with chili

  • World’s Best Cornbread. (I promise you this recipe doesn’t disappoint)
  • Saltine Crackers
  • Corn chips
  • Veggies – We always serve veggies and homemade ranch dip alongside
  • Hot Dogs – YUM! Chili Cheese Dog!
  • Grilled Cheese
  • French Fries – This recipe would make great chili cheese fries

What do you serve with your chili?

Is chili healthy?

Of course, it depends on the individual ingredients in your recipe (and what you serve it with), but most chili recipes are packed full of nutrients that are good for you. The meat and beans provide protein. The beans also provide fiber and iron.Tomatoes and tomato paste are an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to improve your body’s immune system and can help keep you healthy.Onionsare healthy whether they’re raw or cooked! They contain fiber and folic acid, and a B vitaminthat helpsthebody make healthy new cells.Onionsare healthy whether they’re raw or cooked! Garlic isrich in vitamin C,vitaminB6, and manganese.

You can make chili more healthy by choosing your ingredients wisely. Go for low sodium canned tomatoes to cut down on salt. Consider adding extra veggies like carrots and bell peppers.

This recipe does use sausage which would make it a bit higher in fat. Feel free to substitute lean ground beef for the sausage. My weight loss soup is another healthy soup with loads of benefits to your body.

More Chili Recipes

If you love a good chili try my Cincinnati Chili. It is served over noodles. I love serving this recipe to a crowd. If you like those one-pot meals mychili maccan be made in a skillet. If you need a quick chili in 30 minutes that tastes like it cooked all day we also love this pressure cooker chili. It makes a super quick and delicious weeknight dinner. During the winter I think we are eating chili weekly so the pressure cooker makes for a quick meal.

What is the best way to cook chili in a slow cooker?

When we have all day to let something cook Crock Pot Chili is always a crowd-pleaser. It is a great stress-free recipe when company is coming over. Slow cooker chili is so easy. In fact, I am going to put George’s Chili recipe in the slow cooker soon! This is how I would do it.In a skillet place ground beef, onion, garlic, and cook on medium-high heat. Drain off any fat. Placebeef, onion, garlic, and remaining ingredientsIn 4- to 5-quart slow cooker (affliliate link). Cover and cook on a low heat setting for 6 to 8 hours.

Chili is a great meal for a crowd. When a have a lot of mouths to feed we also serve walking tacos. They are always a huge hit!

Your search for the best chili is over! I hope you love this great recipe. My husband loves it. (He is a bit partial but it looks like he is not alone. Enjoy!

What are your favorite chili toppings? Since I am gluten free I love corn chips to give a bit of crunch when others are using saltines.

If you need a quick dinner try this taco soup! I always keep the ingredients on hand when I need a last-minute meal.

I would love to keep you fully stocked with creative ideas, yummy recipes, fun crafts, and loads of free printables. Subscribe to Skip to my Lou to get new ideas delivered to your inbox. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram for all my latest updates.

George's Chili - The BEST Chili Recipe (3)

5 from 9 votes

George’s Chili Recipe

The best chili recipe.. rich, robust and super delicious! Top with sour cream, cheddar cheese and jalapeños to really throw it over the top.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Save RecipeRate RecipePrint Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 lb sage sausage
  • 7 to 8 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2- 6 oz cans tomato paste
  • 1 3/4 cups beef broth
  • 1-12 ounce bottle dark beer or ale George used Ale
  • 3-8 ounce cans diced tomatoes with juice
  • 2-15 oz cans southwest style pinto beans
  • 1-15 oz can mild chili beans beans
  • 1-15 oz can western style ranch beans
  • 1-10 can mild Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies undrained
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a stock pot, over medium high heat brown beef and sausage, drain. Add in onion and garlic and cook over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent.

  • Add all the spices and cook 5 minutes over medium heat. Stir in tomato paste and let cook while opening the lids on all the cans. Add remaining chili ingredients; stir until combined. Heat to boiling for a few minutes and stir constantly then reduce heat to low. Cover, simmer 4 hours stirring about every 20 minutes to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

  • Serve with crackers, cheese, or other things such as chopped jalapeño peppers or chopped fresh onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 949mg | Potassium: 1001mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1260IU | Vitamin C: 9.1mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 5.4mg

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: Cindy Hopper

George's Chili - The BEST Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to best chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Spices: While cumin, chile powder, and cayenne pepper tend to be common additions to many chili recipes, there's a broad world of flavor out there to experiment with. Try a little fenugreek, turmeric, garam masala, or sumac to layer in more complex flavors.

What does brown sugar do to chili? ›

The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

What are the best chili beans to use in chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

Acids enhance the salty, umami-rich flavors already present in chili, and round out the sweetness, adding intricacy to the dish. Apple cider vinegar is versatile with a light, fruity flavor, but red wine and balsamic vinegar are both good choices for heavier chilis that need something bolder.

Does chili taste better the longer you simmer it? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato paste is a great way to add bonus tomato flavor, and thickness, to a chili recipe. To get the best flavor it needs to be browned. Add a couple tablespoons (or a whole can if you want a thicker soup base) directly to the pan after cooking the meat and onions.

Do you cook onions or meat first for chili? ›

In a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil and add the onions, garlic, and red pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the beef and increase the heat to high. Cook, stirring with wooden spoon to break up the meat, until the beef is browned, 10 to 12 minutes.

Why do people put sour cream in chili? ›

For an extra tangy, rich bite, incorporate a dollop (or five) into your batch. This is already common practice in many white chili recipes (which, ironically, are often made with green chiles), but a dollop of stirred-in sour cream can benefit red chili, as well.

Why do you put honey in chili? ›

The honey helps balance all the spicy flavors without being overly sweet and plays well with the fruity flavor of the habanero peppers. As written, the honey only adds a hint of sweetness, but feel free to increase the amount of honey to make it sweeter.

Should you put a little sugar in chili? ›

Now for the piece de resistance: 1-2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar. The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy.

Are cannellini or great northern beans better for chili? ›

Whether you're making a white chili or you just want contrast in your traditional chili pot, cannellini beans have a rich, meaty texture and hold up well to heat.

What brings out the taste in chili? ›

Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

How do you make chili taste stronger? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

How does Martha Stewart make chili? ›

Add chili powder, cocoa, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, broth, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until thickened slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve with sour cream and chives.

Why do you put baking soda in chili? ›

In this chili recipe, baking soda (that same thing the fluffs up cakes and cookies) tenderizes the ground beef while making it brown better. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is alkaline.

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