Name: Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 20 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 23 reviews

If you’re looking for a hearty, soulful meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, then you are absolutely going to love Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe. This dish brings together a rich blend of spices, tender meats, and just the right hint of chocolate to create a flavor profile that’s bold, comforting, and downright unforgettable. Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, this chili recipe has a way of turning any occasion into something special, proving why it’s been called award-winning time and time again.

The image shows a close-up of a stew in a white pot, with a rich red-orange broth filled with visible chunks of ground meat, beans, and diced vegetables like carrots and tomatoes. On top of the stew, there are four dark brown chocolate bars placed in the center, partially melting into the stew. The texture of the stew looks hearty and slightly chunky with a glossy, oily surface. The white pot contrasts with the deep warm colors of the stew inside, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

The magic of Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe comes down to a handful of simple, but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it's seasoning the meat, adding depth to the sauce, or creating that classic chili texture everyone loves.

2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil: Perfect for sautéing your onions without overpowering the other flavors.
1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that mellows beautifully when cooked.
6 tablespoons chili powder: The heart of your spice blend, delivering that signature chili zing.
4 teaspoons ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy tone that complements the beef and pork.
2 teaspoons ground coriander: Offers a slight citrusy brightness that lifts the whole dish.
1 teaspoon ground oregano: Adds an herbaceous, slightly minty edge.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor for extra depth.
2 teaspoons salt: Balances all the spices and enriches the meats.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that builds quietly throughout cooking.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punchy aroma and savory note.
2 lbs ground beef: The main protein that gives the chili a hearty, satisfying base.
1 lb ground pork: Adds a touch of sweetness and richness for the perfect meat combo.
4 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes: Creates a luscious, chunky sauce packed with acidity and texture.
2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans: Bring creaminess and protein to make the chili filling and wholesome.
3 bay leaves: Infuse the chili with a subtle earthy aroma during simmering.
2 tablespoons masa harina: Helps to thicken the chili and adds a mild corn flavor.
2 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate: The secret ingredient that rounds out the flavors with a rich, velvety finish.

How to Make Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Build Your Spice Base

Start by heating your neutral oil over medium heat in a heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to soften. This is where the flavor foundation begins, with the sweet onion aroma waking up the spices you’re about to add. Next, sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, coriander, oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for about a minute to toast the spices and unlock their full potential.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Meats

Minced garlic goes in next, and the key is to cook it just long enough to release its fragrance—around a minute. Now it’s time for the star proteins: ground beef and pork. Crank the heat up to medium-high and stir continuously, breaking the meat into small pieces. You want every bite to have that perfectly browned, caramelized flavor that only comes from properly cooked meat.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Beans, and Bay Leaves for a Long Simmer

Once your meat is beautifully browned, pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juices along with the pinto beans. Tuck in the bay leaves and give everything a good stir to mix. Reduce the heat to low-medium and let it simmer gently for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes or so. This slow-cooking process marries the flavors and softens the beans to perfection.

Step 4: Finish with Masa Harina and Baking Chocolate

After the long simmer, remove those bay leaves and stir in the masa harina and semi-sweet baking chocolate. This step takes your chili to the next level by thickening the sauce and adding a surprising depth and complexity thanks to the chocolate’s subtle bitterness. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes while stirring to ensure everything blends seamlessly.

How to Serve Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe

The dish shows a thick stew with three main layers. The base layer is a rich brown sauce that looks slightly oily and shiny. Mixed inside are three other layers: small chunks of cooked ground meat in dark brown color, whole light brown beans scattered evenly, and bright red diced tomatoes along with translucent cooked onions. All these layers blend together in a stew texture with small pieces visible everywhere, and the dish is served in a white pot on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your chili with bright, refreshing garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped green onions. For an extra pop, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These toppings add texture and layers that make each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

The best sides to pair with Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe are just as comforting as the chili itself. Think crispy cornbread with a little honey butter, fluffy white rice, or even tortilla chips that you can scoop in for some fun. A simple green salad is also perfect to balance the rich and hearty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chili in individual bread bowls or stuff bell peppers for a festive presentation. You can also layer spoonfuls into a baked potato or pile it on nachos for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The versatility of this recipe means you can get creative and make it your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chili keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making the next day’s bowl feel even more special. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating to blend those delicious ingredients back together.

Freezing

Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last up to three months, and thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating works best for preserving that amazing texture.

Reheating

Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. You can add a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring in between for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use different types of beans in Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! While pinto beans are traditional in this recipe, you can substitute black beans, kidney beans, or a mix depending on your preference. Just make sure the beans are cooked or canned for the best texture.

Is the chocolate flavor very strong in the chili?

Not at all! The semi-sweet baking chocolate adds a subtle richness and depth without tasting like dessert. It’s a wonderful way to enhance the complexity of the chili’s flavor.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

You can! Simply swap the ground beef and pork for plant-based meat alternatives or a combination of mushrooms and lentils. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, but keep the spices and chocolate for that authentic flavor kick.

What is masa harina and why is it used?

Masa harina is a type of corn flour used to thicken the chili and introduce a slight corn flavor that’s both authentic and delicious. It also helps create the perfect chili consistency.

How spicy is Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe?

The chili has a warm, comforting heat from the chili powder and black pepper, but it’s not overpowering. You can always adjust the spice levels by adding extra chili powder or fresh jalapeños if you want to kick it up.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a big pot of Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe simmering away on the stove. It’s a dish that feels like home and invites everyone to gather around the table. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and that secret touch of chocolate, this chili is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household too. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and start cooking—you’re in for a delicious treat that everyone will rave about.

Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe