Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe
The Best Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe delivers thick, hearty texture and layers of smoky chili powder, cumin, and tender slow cooked meat. This crowd pleasing comfort food is ideal for feeding a big family or serving at parties and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop / Simmering
- Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
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 (divided)
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs ground beef
4 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons masa harina
2 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Bloom the Spices
Stir in chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to toast the spices.
Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
Brown the Meat
Add ground beef. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, breaking the meat into small pieces, until fully browned.
Simmer the Chili
Add diced tomatoes (with juices), pinto beans, bay leaves, and remaining salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 90–120 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Finish the Chili
Remove bay leaves. Stir in masa harina and semi-sweet chocolate. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes, stirring well until chocolate is fully melted and chili thickens.
Serve
Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cornbread.
Notes
Masa harina thickens the chili and adds authentic depth — substitute finely crushed tortilla chips if needed.
The chocolate enhances richness without making the chili sweet.
Chili tastes even better the next day after flavors deepen.
Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/moms-award-winning-chili-recipe/
