If you’re hunting for the coziest, most crowd-pleasing recipe in your chili repertoire, look no further than Mom’s Award Winning Chili. Loved for its deep, complex flavors and nostalgic aroma, this legendary recipe serves up a steaming bowlful of comfort that’s rich, hearty, and tantalizingly savory. Generous ground beef, sweet onions, punchy peppers, and a medley of secret spices all stew together until the kitchen smells like home. This chili isn’t just delicious—it’s downright legendary, the kind of meal that turns weeknights into celebrations and leftovers into pure gold.

Mom’s Award Winning Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to Mom’s Award Winning Chili, every ingredient plays a special role in building layers of flavor. These pantry and produce staples are straightforward, but trust me, they’re the backbone behind that irresistible, slow-simmered magic.

Ground beef (3 to 4 lbs, 80/20 mix): A generous amount of slightly marbled beef for deep richness and luxurious texture.
Yellow onions (1 large minced, 1 medium diced): Both finely minced and diced to melt into the chili and provide sweet, tender bites throughout.
Garlic cloves (2 to 3, chopped or crushed): Infuse the chili with aromatic depth and a subtle, inviting heat.
Green peppers (2, seeded and diced): Bring a pop of color and a gentle, almost grassy freshness to every spoonful.
Poblano pepper (1, seeded and diced, optional): Adds a mild smoky flavor and just a touch of mild spice—worth adding if you can find one!
Fire roasted diced tomatoes (3 or 4 cans, 14.5 oz each): The fire roasting gives a smoky sweetness that forms the soul of this chili; other diced tomatoes work too.
Chili powder (1/3 cup, or to taste): The main spice—start here, then adjust for your perfect level of warmth.
Paprika (1 tablespoon, smoked or regular): Lends color and a dreamy undertone; opt for smoked for a bigger, bolder finish.
Garlic salt (1/2 teaspoon): Reinforces savory notes and wakes up the flavors.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Doubles down on garlicky flavor for that truly homey taste.
Chili pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, more or less): Add heat as you wish—this is your chance to turn up (or down) the spice!
Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): The secret twist for warmth and subtle sweetness; chipotle cinnamon is incredible if you have it.
Sugar (just under 1 tablespoon): Softens the acidity of tomatoes and brings every element together.
Dried Italian seasoning or oregano (a couple shakes, about 1/4 teaspoon): A hint of herbiness that rounds out the chili with just the right touch of green.
Cooking oil or butter (a little bit): Helps the aromatics soften and bloom in flavor right from the start.
Optional: Kidney beans or black beans (added with tomatoes): Beans soak up flavor and make the chili heartier—Mom often skips, but you can add them if you love beans in your chili!

How to Make Mom’s Award Winning Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating a splash of butter or your favorite cooking oil in a sturdy stock pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in both your minced and diced onions, green peppers, poblano (if using), and garlic. Sauté patiently until everything turns golden, soft, and deeply fragrant—the kind of smell that’ll bring the whole family peeking into the kitchen. Let the vegetables take their time; this is where the flavor journey truly begins.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next up for Mom’s Award Winning Chili, add your ground beef directly to the aromatic base. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it browns, aiming for a finely crumbled texture. Don’t stress about draining the fat unless you want a lighter chili; Mom likes to keep it for flavor and skim excess at the end. This step builds that foundational, meaty richness that defines her signature chili.

Step 3: Layer in the Spices

Once the beef is fully cooked and nicely browned, sprinkle in the garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, chili flake, cinnamon, sugar, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir well and let everything toast for just a minute or two. This brief sauté brings out the spices’ aromas and infuses the meat and vegetables with complex, crave-worthy notes. Now’s the time to taste and adjust salt or add a pinch more chili powder if you like it bolder!

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Pour in your cans of fire roasted diced tomatoes—juice and all—and give everything a hearty stir to combine. Bring the chili up to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and let it bubble away for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. This long, slow cook is the secret to Mom’s Award Winning Chili: it melds every element into pure, savory comfort while letting the sauce thicken and deepen in color.

Step 5: Adjust, Thicken, and Serve

Give the chili a taste as it finishes cooking, adjusting seasoning as needed. If a little extra richness remains on top, skim it off with a ladle for a lighter bite. The longer it sits off the heat, the more the chili thickens as flavors develop. If making ahead, chill overnight to easily lift off solidified fat the next day, then reheat until bubbly. This flexibility means you can always serve Mom’s Award Winning Chili at its absolute peak.

How to Serve Mom’s Award Winning Chili

Garnishes

A steaming bowl of chili truly shines when you lay out a spread of vibrant, tempting toppings. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar, fresh green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for creamy contrast. Crushed tortilla chips or a handful of cilantro create extra crunch and color. Serve toppings buffet-style and let everyone build their dream bowl—this personalization is part of what makes Mom’s Award Winning Chili a forever favorite.

Side Dishes

Chili is deliciously filling on its own, but it’s also the perfect reason to bake up a skillet of cornbread or offer a stack of warm tortillas. A crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, while a side of rice or simple baked potatoes turns it into a hearty main course. There’s really no wrong way to round out this meal!

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl with Mom’s Award Winning Chili! Spoon it over baked sweet potatoes for a colorful, sweet-and-savory twist, or stuff it into tortillas for next-level chili burritos. It’s irresistible ladled atop a plate of nachos or even folded into flaky pastry for savory hand pies. Let your imagination run wild and make leftovers feel brand new with a little creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Mom’s Award Winning Chili is how well it holds up for days. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors only improve overnight, and you’ll be grateful for a ready-made dinner or easy-packed lunch all week long.

Freezing

This chili is a freezer superstar! Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and lay flat for easy stacking. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge whenever a chili craving strikes—especially useful for busy nights or last-minute guests.

Reheating

Reheating Mom’s Award Winning Chili is simple: warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often so it doesn’t scorch. Alternatively, pop it in the microwave for a quick fix, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if the chili is thick after chilling; it’ll return to its comforting, saucy consistency in no time.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While ground beef provides classic richness, turkey or chicken work perfectly for a lighter take. Just keep an eye on moisture, as leaner meats can dry out more easily—adding a splash of broth is a simple fix.

What if I can’t find fire roasted diced tomatoes?

No worries—any diced tomatoes will still deliver a fabulous chili! Regular canned diced tomatoes, or even crushed tomatoes in a pinch, work well. If you want a little smoky flavor, toss in a pinch more smoked paprika.

Can I make Mom’s Award Winning Chili vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap in a plant-based ground “meat” or crumble, and load up with extra beans and vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. The spices and tomato base ensure you won’t miss a thing.

Is it better to make chili ahead of time?

Yes, if you have the time! Mom’s Award Winning Chili deepens in flavor after a night in the fridge, letting all the spices and aromatics fully mingle. It also thickens nicely, making for even heartier leftovers the next day.

Can I cook this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Just follow the stovetop instructions up to browning the meat and sautéing the spices, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 6 to 8 hours. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal.

Final Thoughts

Few things say comfort like a simmering pot of Mom’s Award Winning Chili. Packed with robust flavor and designed to bring people together, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition. I hope you savor every comforting spoonful and make your own memories around this beloved dish—try it once, and you’ll understand exactly why it earned its name!