This is hands down the best chili recipe ever! Easy spicy beef chili is thick & robust. No skimpy spices at all. This chili is so rich in FLAVOR with just the right amount of kick! So good, you’ll want to hide in the corner and eat it all by yourself! Perfect to have all year long!
The Mr. has been bugging me about posting his chili recipe for the longest. My response has always been, “I’ll post the recipe when you write the recipe down.” He made chili not too long ago and our convo went like this:
Me: Did you write the recipe down?
Him: No. I don’t need to write it down. I’ve made this chili a billion times. I have it in my head.
Me: Well, I can’t write up the post if the recipe is in your head. I need it on some paper.
Him: Woman, I know the recipe. I can tell you the recipe from heart.
Me: Just make the chili again tomorrow and write down the recipe. If you write up the recipe, I’ll make you tacos this week.
Him: Ok, fine.
Haha that man loves tacos ,chili, meatloaf and quesadillas. He’d be happy eating all of them every day of the week for life, that’s, if I let him.
I remember the first time I tasted my husband’s chili. I was a bit nervous and I didn’t think I’d be thrilled about it. Most of my ex boyfriends didn’t know how to cook for nothing , so I was pretty skeptical about his chili. I’m so critical when it comes to good food. I told him “I hope this chili is good and not mediocre.”
Boy was I wrong. The first time I tasted his chili, I was freaking amazed. Mouth-watering deliciousness. It tasted so GOOD. I said “Omg yessss!” He grinned hard. I said to myself. “This man can cook!” “Winning!”
I have never in my life ate 3 bowls of chili in one sitting. I normally wouldn’t even get through one bowl. Yes, I had three bowls. Don’t judge me. They were small bowls okay? I can’t control myself when I’m faced with good food. So yeah, this chili is definitely award winning. I’ve had my shares of chili at many restaurants and growing up. Chili never wowed me until I tasted my husbands. I’m glad I can enjoy a delicious bowl of better than restaurant chili in the comfort of my home. If you love Wendy’s chili then you’re really love this one because it’s a 100 times better.
Chili Recipe
This best chili recipe is so amazing, you’d think he put some magical seasoning in the recipe but nope. My husband used basic every day ingredients to make his award winning chili. I’m sure you already have most of the ingredients. There’s no beer in this recipe either. I don’t know why so many recipes on the web have beer. This chili recipe doesn’t have beef broth or tomato sauce in it either. I actually thought it had broth and tomato sauce because it’s so flavorsome but nope. He used tomato paste though. I love a simple classic style chili. The only thing you may have to get from the store is jalapenos and maybe chili beans if you want to make this chili recipe to the “t.”
This recipe is a bit spicy but not overly spicy. Hubby loves to add heat to EVERYTHING he eats. He used two pounds of ground beef and 3 jalapenos so if you’re not big on spicy chili then use one or two jalapenos and reduce the amount of cayenne. I personally don’t think it’s overly spicy though.
Here’s a quick rundown of the chili ingredients and directions. See the full recipe at the end of this post.
Chili ingredients: jalapenos, green peppers, diced, onions, garlic cloves, cans of diced tomatoes with green chilis, tomato paste (not tomato sauce in this recipe), chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper, chili beans.
Directions: Heat the oil in a large dutch over medium high -heat. Add the vegetable and saute until softened. Add beef cook until no longer pink. Drain most of the fat out. Return beef and veggies to the dutch oven. Add seasonings. Mix well. Add water and then tomato paste and the rest of the ingredients. Reduce heat. Simmer for 45 minutes. See full recipe below.
If you want to be a bit indulgent like me then add your favorite toppings. My husband doesn’t add any toppings but I like to add sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream to help cut through the heat and the crunch of the buttery crackers. Notice how the cheese just melts into the hot spicy chili? Man, this chili is so damn good! It’s a regular meal at our house. We have it several times a month. We eat chili in the summer time too. Hubby’s award winning chili recipe is so good, we have it all year round.
Since Facebook is showing less content I figured I would make groups where members can connect more closely, laugh, post recipes or food stuff and ask questions etc just click the link below.
If you LOVE soul food/ southern food join our NEW FB group: Soul Food Love/Southern Recipes. You are not required to post recipes if you don’ t have it, we just want to see your yummy food!
This is hands down the best chili recipe! My husband won a cook off with this amazing chili recipe and it's no wonder why. This easy spicy beef chili is thick & robust. No skimpy spices at all. His award wining chili is so rich in FLAVOR with just the right amount of kick! Perfect to have all year long!
- 3 jalapenos diced
- 1 cup green pepper diced
- 1 cup onions diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 lbs 80% ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp cumin
- 3 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 3/4 cup water
- 1 8 oz can tomato paste
- 2 10 oz cans diced tomatoes with green chilis
- 2 15 oz cans chili beans or pinto beans drained and rinsed
- salt for taste
- pepper for taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
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Heat the oil in a large dutch over medium high heat. Add the vegetables (except for the can of diced tomatoes with chilis) and saute until softened about 6 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook stirring until it is no longer pink.
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Drain the fat from the beef reserving 2 tablespoons. Return stove to medium-high heat. Stir in the seasonings, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the water, canned tomatoes with green chili and tomato paste stirring until the paste has dissolved.
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Simmer uncovered for 35 minutes. Serve and top with shredded cheese and sour cream. Add crackers on the side. Enjoy!
**See notes**
Make sure to use 80% ground beef because it has a good amount of fat and it's flavorful.
Refrigerate leftovers in a shallow container for up to 4 days.
Reheat leftovers on the stove, microwave until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
FYI. Calorie count does not include toppings.
Watch how I make it!
Since Facebook is showing less content I figured I would make groups where members can connect more closely, laugh, post recipes or food stuff and ask questions etc just click the link below.
If you LOVE soul food/ southern food join our NEW FB group: Soul Food Love/Southern Recipes. You are not required to post recipes if you don’ t have it, we just want to see your yummy food!
I forgot to comment when I made this for the first time for my family. I made it again while my aunt was over. She had two bowls and she said she doesn’t even like chili! Thank you so much for this fantastic recipe! I will be making much more this cold winter!
Oh wow! I’m so glad to hear that you both loved it! I wasn’t much of a chili lover either until I had his too! T
Wow, that is such a hearty and comforting bowl of chili – so perfect on a chilly day or just about any day 🙂 My kids would devour this. Thanks for sharing!!
Yeah today would be a perfect day for chili. It actually snowed a bit last night and today is a cold one. Thanks Pavani!
April recently posted…Soul Food Collard Greens Recipe
We also love lots of bold flavors in our chili. The delicious stew should make a statement and be unforgettable. I believe yours is that way. Nothing beats some hot chili on a cold, damp evening. I’m ready for some chili right now.
I haven’t made chili yet this season but the temps have really dropped this weekend and I couldn’t think of anything more perfect for a day like today. Craving a big bowl of this, April!
I love cold weather season for chili! This is one of my favorite dishes! I need to try your recipe soon!
Chilli is one of my favorite things in winter. Such comfort food. This looks so simple and easy. Love the smoky flavor of cumin in there. Can’t wait to try this soon.
My family loves this recipe. Especially for dinner, in cold autumn weather. It’s really tasty. Wonderful combination of ingredients.
yessss! This is the perfect recipe for me.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this chili recipe! This looks sooooo good! Yummy! This made me drool. Cannot wait to try this. Thank you for a great recipe!
A hearty bowl of chili on a cold evening is the best! I look forward to trying your delicious recipe.
This really does sound like the perfect chili recipe! I don’t like chunks of tomatoes (weird) so I’ll puree them before adding, but this is such a great recipe!
We love homemade chili recipes at my house. Coming home to the house full of wonderful smells cooking away is the best.
We love making chili, especially during comfort food season. Such an easy to prepare dinner. I love experimenting with lots of different seasonings and spices. The best part….it even tastes better the next day, so leftovers are a must.
Ahhh, that conversation…why is it always like that with men?! LOL!! I’m glad he finally relented, because this recipe looks amazing, especially since it’s gonna be dreary and rainy all weekend around here
I made the chilli last night and my 11year old had two bowls, she never eats two bowls of anything. I only used two jalapeños. This was one of the best chilli recipes that I’ve ever made. I served it with jalapeño and cheese cornbread.
Wow, two bowls!? That’s so nice to hear! She must know good chili then. So glad your family loves it. Jalapeno cheese cornbread sounds delicious!
haha your husband is funny. I have a tone of recipes in my head too lol but that won’t work, gotta test them first hahaha so funny! Love this recipe btw! Totally delicious!
Looks good! I love chili in the summer, but my husband is harder to convince (but serious, spicy food is perfect for summer, someone tell him!). I’m definitely guilty of keeping recipes in my head too, haha.
I had to laugh of the image of you sitting in a corner alone with a bowl (or three) of chili! And that conversation is SO relatable! I haven’t been too thrilled about chilis in the past either, so it looks like I have to try this one!
I have to try with oregano and tomatoes next time. We love chili butI have never put these two ingredients into it. Thanks for your creative ideas.
This chili looks absolutely delicious! Chili is one of my favorite meals to make, and I love making a big pot that I can use for various things (like chili mac, etc). I would love to make a vegan version of you chili! I am always looking for new inspiration! LOVE IT!
I made this last night and it is AMAZING! I doubled ever thing except the meat!
I’m glad you liked it!! Thank you for trying it! We actually made the chili last night and doubled the amount! No leftovers whatsoever haha!
Offer somebody tacos and they will do anything!!! lol…this chili does look and sound amazing, great post and recipe 🙂
Thanks so much Albert!
This made me laugh! I recently went through a similar process to get my brother’s famous spaghetti sauce recipe which he makes purely out of habit and memory, I had to stalk him in the kitchen while he made it asking questions! And hey, three bowls sounds quite reasonable in the face of such delicious chili! Gorgeous photos as always!
So this is how the hubster won you over huh? I bet he knew he had you for life by the third bowl! I am not a big chili fan but it sounds like Mr. Man has whipped up love in a bowl- and THAT I am so into, so I will have to make an exception for the chili that won over April’s heart!
Yup haha! Thank you so much!
Wow, love the fact that your hubby cooks, mine can but for the life of me he rarely does! This recipe has a lot of great flavors in it and I can tell it is a great recipe.
Love the fact that your hubby can cook as well. My husband is trying to cook some of his specialties too and I’m a fan as well. I will introduce this recipe to him so he can re-create this one at home. Thank you for sharing.
Lol, your conversation with your husband is awesome! I have to admit, I am not a fan of beans but my husband is and I will have to make this for him! He will love it! Can’t wait!
Thank you Lisa! I hope he likes it!
This looks like a fabulous chili recipe and I love the story behind it! I can go for chili any time of the year!
You’re so right about that! Thank you Amy!
Haha, he actually sounds like me when I’m writing one of my savory recipes. I stand in the kitchen and add a little of this and a little of that and then do my best to “assign” amounts as I’m typing up my blog posts, LOL
I love a good chili so pinning this to try!
Thank you so much Jill!
This is one of the best chili recipe that I have seen so far. Looks amazingly delicious. My husband would totally love this. Pinning it for later.
Thank you for your kind words Kushi!
OMG, a man that can cook. Hold on to him, girl!
Thank you so much Lisa!
This chili looks delicious, My hubby also make only two or three dishes. But he make best pav bhaji ( a street food from Mumbai, India) better than those street vendors makes. I can relate your story. I am going to try this chili recipe soon.
I’ll have to find out more about pav bhaji. Thank you Swathi. I hope you like it 🙂
Totally pinned this already! I can’t wait to make it–I love a good homemade chili!
I hope you love it Emily! Thank you!
This chili looks very delicious! I’ll have to make this for my fiance, i’m sure that he will love it.
I’m definitely sure. We can’t get enough of it! Thank you Diana.
There’s something about guys who can cook we’re a rare breed. I love the heat in this chili, I migh add a little more but I know I’m a little nuts when it comes to heat. Thanks for sharing April!
Yeah my husband loves his food on fire haha…Too hot for me. Thank you Fred!
I love the story about your husband making this! So fun 🙂 And this looks amazing – especially since it’s still so cold outside!
Thank you so much Stephanie!
It’s been YEARS since I have had chili, but omg, now I NEED some! This chili looks absolutely amazing!! To the grocery store I go 🙂
We eat chili a lot in our home! My husband likes A WHOLE LOT more heat so sometimes we have to make his extremely spicy and the other one spicy but tolerable. Thank you Heather.
That melty cheese on the chili looks so good!! I’ll be making this recipe very soon…is it okay to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes though? Thanks!
Yes fresh tomatoes are fine too but it may taste different since the canned ones have green chilies. I hope you like it! Thanks!
Congrats to your hubby! I love a good chili, and I’m with you…I want mine full of bold flavor and some spice. It’s not chili if it’s bland.
Yes! Gotta be flavorful! Thank you!
I can not wait to try these! I love Chili, this recipe is definitely being noted, My love for food in different varieties.
I think you will definitely enjoy it. Nice and spicy but not too spicy! Thank you!
This award winning chili is one of the most loved in my family! We especially love it during the cold winter months. Pinned for later!
This recipe sure sounds like a winner! It’s been such a long time since I’ve made chili. I leave this blog post inspired!!
It’s super good! We can’t get enough of it. Thank you!
I can’t wait to try this award winning chili!!! We are still a little cold here, so this will be perfect!
It’s cold here too. I can’t wait for warmer weather!
Firstly, I think I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again – your photography is GORGEOUS! And it’s clear to see why this Chili is award winning, looks so delish!!
Thank you for your kind words Chris!
This is my kind of chili recipe== so much bold flavor and spice, it’ deserve the award winning title! Thanks so much!
This looks delicious. I’ll try it but use Italian sausage instead.
I could go for a large bowl right now! Extra jalapenos 😉
You just can’t beat a big bowl of warming chilli. The colour on this is so rich.
Congratulations for having a good cook husband. Every one of us has different techniques in cooking but the best recipe is if we cook from our heart. Hubby loves chili dishes and I think this will become his favorite.
Exactly cooking from the heart is so important. Thank you Melve!
We love chili here! I will have to try your version! It looks amazing!
What a delicious chili. ITs been quite cool out the last few days. This just may be the perfect dinner tonight and my husband loved chili so chili its is to warm us up!