Welcome to the ultimate Champion Chili recipe—your new go-to for a hearty, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing chili that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re gearing up for a game day, a family gathering, or simply craving a comforting bowl of rich, spicy goodness, this recipe has got you covered.
Combining layers of savory beef, robust spices, and perfectly simmered beans, this chili strikes the perfect balance between bold flavor and rich texture. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve at your next party.
Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can easily adjust the heat and ingredients to suit your taste. Let’s dive in and make a chili that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Champion Chili recipe stands out because of its depth of flavor and perfect texture. The secret lies in a blend of spices that create a warm, smoky base, combined with tender, browned ground beef and a mix of beans for a satisfying bite.
The chili simmers slowly, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily make it vegetarian by swapping the beef for mushrooms or plant-based protein.
It’s freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep, and it’s a fantastic choice for feeding a crowd. Plus, the recipe uses common pantry staples, so you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.
Prepare to fall in love with chili all over again!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Colander (for rinsing beans)
- Ladle for serving
- Optional: slow cooker or Instant Pot for alternative cooking methods
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the green bell pepper. Drain and rinse all beans thoroughly to reduce any excess sodium and improve texture.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with your spoon until browned and no longer pink. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables: Push the beef to one side of the pot. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the other side. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aromas.
- Incorporate tomato paste and liquids: Add tomato paste and mix well. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together ensuring the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add beans: Stir in kidney beans and black beans. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust: Sample your chili and adjust seasoning as needed — add more salt, chili powder, or cayenne if you prefer it spicier.
- Serve hot: Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.
Tips & Variations
“For an even richer flavor, try browning the beef in batches instead of all at once to avoid steaming. This helps develop a deeper crust and more complex taste.”
Want to customize your chili? Here are some ideas:
- Vegetarian version: Swap ground beef for diced mushrooms or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spice it up: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a splash of hot sauce for smoky heat.
- Slow cooker method: Brown the beef and veggies first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Beans variety: Experiment with pinto beans or cannellini beans for different textures and flavors.
- Make it smoky: Add a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked sausage slices.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings to elevate your meal:
- Classic: Serve with warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.
- On the lighter side: Spoon chili over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa.
- Loaded bowls: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Game day favorite: Use chili as a topping for hot dogs, nachos, or baked potatoes.
- Extra crunch: Add crushed tortilla chips or jalapeño slices for texture and heat.
Conclusion
This Champion Chili recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings comfort, warmth, and joy to your dining table. The rich blend of spices, hearty beef, and tender beans make it a satisfying dish that’s perfect year-round.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week, this chili promises bold flavors and easy preparation.
Don’t hesitate to tailor the recipe to your preferences, whether you want it spicier, vegetarian, or smoky. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious pot of chili ready to enjoy in no time.
For more comforting recipes that pair well or offer variety to your meal plan, check out our Hearty Beef Stew, Classic Chicken Soup, and Vegetarian Lentil Curry. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Champion Chili Recipe
Description: A hearty and flavorful chili packed with spices and tender beef. Perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT1H50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 | Protein: 28g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 25g
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