Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe
Her secret ingredient makes all the difference!
you're making mealtime meaningful.
Chili is one of those dishes that everyone has their own twist on. Whether it’s a regional style or a beloved family recipe, no two batches of chili are quite the same and that’s what makes for an incredible Chili Cookoff! Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe has certainly earned that title over the years and today we’re sharing it with you. This hearty recipe is packed with bold spices, rich flavor, and a secret ingredient that really puts it over the top. Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or just a chilly weeknight, this chili is a tried-and-true crowd pleaser that delivers every time.
We’re not shy about seasoning here—six tablespoons of chili powder starts things out, with cumin, coriander, and oregano rounding it out. Add in a little onion powder, garlic, and black pepper, and you’ve got a blend that’s deliciously savory and just the right amount of smoky and spicy. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
We throw in a couple of surprising, but essential ingredients at the end: a touch of masa harina to thicken things up, and a few squares of semi-sweet baking chocolate to bring an unexpected richness and depth. It’s the kind of flavor you can’t quite put your finger on, but wow is it tasty.
It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and has them coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Whether you serve it with a hunk of cornbread, over rice, or with a mountain of shredded cheese and sour cream, Mom’s Award-Winning Chili is sure to be a hit. And once you’ve tasted it, it’ll be your go-to chili for years to come.
Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe
Yield(s): Serves 12
15m prep time
2h 20m cook time
Allergens: Corn
you're making mealtime meaningful.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 6 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 4 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons masa harina
- 2 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate
Preparation
- In a large dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot, heat oil over medium heat, then add diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add salt, chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Add beef and pork, then increase heat to medium-high. Stir and break meat into small pieces. Cook until fully browned.
- Add canned tomatoes with juices, pinto beans, and bay leaves. Simmer for 90-120 minutes, stirring about every 15 minutes.
- After simmering, remove bay leaves, then mix in chocolate and masa harina. Cook for 5-10 additional minutes and mix well to blend in chocolate.
Recipe adapted from Saladinajar.com