World Champion Chili Recipe That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

Updated On: October 16, 2025

When it comes to chili, everyone has their own take. But the World Champion Chili Recipe is a true masterpiece, perfected through years of competition and passion.

This recipe boasts a harmonious blend of spices, meats, and beans, creating a rich, smoky, and hearty flavor that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for game day, a family dinner, or a cook-off of your own, this chili is the perfect crowd-pleaser.

It combines traditional ingredients with a few secret touches to elevate the dish to championship level. Get ready to dive into a bowl of comfort that’s packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures!

From the perfect balance of heat to the tender chunks of meat and slow-simmered goodness, this chili recipe is designed to make your taste buds dance. The best part?

It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it accessible for both beginner and seasoned cooks. Let’s get started on crafting this award-winning chili that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This World Champion Chili isn’t just any chili — it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. The recipe strikes the perfect balance between spicy and savory, delivering a warming, satisfying meal.

Every ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute to the overall depth of flavor.

Whether you enjoy your chili with beans or without, this recipe allows for flexibility while maintaining that authentic chili taste. It simmers low and slow to develop complex flavors, and the addition of a smoky chipotle pepper adds a subtle heat that lingers beautifully on the palate.

Plus, it’s great for meal prep! Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

If you’re curious about vegetarian or vegan chili options, you might also enjoy our Best Vegan Chilli Con Carne Recipe for Flavorful Meals.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, adds richness)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Can opener
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Colander (for draining beans)
  • Ladle for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Drain and rinse the kidney and black beans.
  2. Heat olive oil: In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork (if using) to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with your spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.
  5. Season the meat: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices and deepen their flavor.
  6. Add liquids and beans: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and minced chipotle peppers. Stir well to combine. Add the drained kidney and black beans.
  7. Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld.
  8. Add sweetness: Stir in the brown sugar during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This balances acidity and enriches flavor.
  9. Final taste check: Adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper as needed for your preferred heat level.
  10. Serve hot: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

Tips & Variations

“For a smoky depth, don’t skip the chipotle peppers — they add a wonderful smoky spice without overpowering the chili.”

  • Make it vegetarian: Replace the meat with a mix of mushrooms, lentils, and extra beans. For a hearty vegetarian chili, check out our Betty Crocker Vegetarian Chili Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
  • Spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and chipotle peppers according to your heat tolerance. You can also add a dash of hot sauce when serving.
  • Slow cooker option: After browning the meat and sautéing onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • Beans or no beans: Traditional Texas chili tends to exclude beans, while many others embrace them. This recipe works well with or without beans.
  • Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for up to 4 days refrigerated or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 25 g
Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Fiber 6 g
Sugar 5 g
Sodium 600 mg

Serving Suggestions

This chili is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

  • Serve over a bed of steamed rice or with warm cornbread for a classic pairing.
  • Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and avocado slices for a loaded chili bowl experience.
  • Use as a filling for baked potatoes or chili dogs.
  • Pair with a fresh salad, such as our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas, for a nice contrast to the hearty chili.
  • For a lighter meal, try a side of roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.

Conclusion

This World Champion Chili Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s an experience. The combination of carefully selected spices, slow-cooked meats, and hearty beans delivers a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned chili fan or trying to impress at your next cookout, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking, experimenting with heat levels or even trying a vegetarian version. For more delicious meal inspirations and creative twists on classic dishes, explore our collection of recipes like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Happy cooking and enjoy every hearty, flavorful spoonful!

📖 Recipe Card: World Champion Chili Recipe

Description: A bold and hearty chili with a perfect balance of spices and tender beef. This recipe has won multiple chili cook-offs for its rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT2H
Total Time: PT2H20M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and kidney beans.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours.
  6. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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