Award Winning Chili Con Carne

This Award Winning Chili Con Carne is a hearty, flavor-packed chili recipe that’s been perfected over the years—and has even brought home a few trophies at chili cook competitions! Loaded with ground beef, kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes in a rich tomato sauce, it’s seasoned with the perfect blend of onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper, and just a hint of cayenne pepper for those who like a little heat. It’s easy to customize the spice level to your liking, and if you want a rustic twist, consider serving it with sides of Jimmy Red corn for even more authentic flavor.

After a quick simmer—only about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop deep, bold flavors—you’ll have a bowl of award winning chili that’s perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Garnish it generously with shredded cheddar cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Grab some corn chips for dipping, and you’ll see why this chili con carne has been a long-time favorite!

Ingredients for Award Winning Chili Con Carne

Get ready to cook a true award winning chili that’s bold, hearty, and absolutely delicious. This chili recipe brings together rich beef, vibrant spices, and a perfect bean blend for an unforgettable chili con carne. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped (add 1 teaspoon onion powder for deeper flavor)
• 2 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• ⅔ cup red wine
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 (16-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, chopped (diced tomatoes), juice reserved
• 1 (12-ounce) can tomato sauce or tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 2 ½ teaspoons dried basil
• 2 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained (optional for extra heartiness)
• 12 drops hot pepper sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons corn meal (use Jimmy Red corn meal if available for extra authenticity)
• ½ cup water
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

How to Make Award Winning Chili Con Carne

• Cook the vegetables and beef: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped green pepper, yellow onion, and a sprinkle of onion powder; cook and stir until softened. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in red wine and crumble over beef bouillon cubes; cook for a few minutes to build a rich base for your chili recipe.

• Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in chopped diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and crushed garlic. Season with parsley, basil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to deepen the flavor of your award winning chili.

• Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to blend beautifully in this hearty chili con carne.
• Add beans and hot sauce: Stir in drained kidney beans and optional black beans for extra heartiness. Add a few drops of hot pepper sauce. If needed, pour in reserved tomato juice for more liquid. Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to perfect this chili cook.
• Thicken the chili: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal (use Jimmy Red corn meal for extra authenticity), and water until smooth. Stir into the chili and simmer for a further 10 minutes, or until the chili has thickened to your liking.
• Serve and garnish: Ladle the Award Winning Chili Con Carne into bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions for the ultimate finish.

Secrets to the Best Award Winning Chili Con Carne

The secret to making truly great Award Winning Chili Con Carne is all about building deep, rich flavor with simple ingredients. Browning the ground beef properly before adding liquids creates a strong base. Using a good mix of spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a touch of onion powder brings out bold layers in every bite.

Letting the chili reduce heat and simmer slowly for a long time, while stirring occasionally, makes a big difference—it helps blend the flavors perfectly. Adding a mix of kidney beans and black beans gives it heartiness, while finishing with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions on top makes each bowl even better. For an authentic twist, stirring in a little Jimmy Red corn meal during the final simmer helps thicken the chili naturally.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

This Award Winning Chili Con Carne is even better with a few simple toppings. Add a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, and a handful of freshly chopped green onions right before serving. For extra texture, serve it with crunchy corn chips or a side of warm cornbread made with Jimmy Red corn meal. If you like, you can also offer diced avocado, jalapeño slices, or a few extra drops of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little more heat. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or for a cozy dinner, these toppings make every bowl more colorful, creamy, and satisfying.

You Must Know

This Award Winning Chili Con Carne is designed to be simple, hearty, and full of bold flavor without any complicated steps. Using pantry staples like diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a good blend of spices makes it easy to pull together. Simmering the chili slowly and stirring occasionally is the key to a rich, deep taste. Don’t rush the cooking time—letting it reduce heat and cook low and slow makes all the difference. The next day, the flavors become even better, making this chili recipe perfect for meal prep or freezing for future meals.

How to Store Award Winning Chili Con Carne

Let the chili cool to room temperature after cooking. Transfer it into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the chili has thickened too much while stored.

How to Reheat Award Winning Chili Con Carne

To reheat, place the chili in a saucepan over medium heat. Warm it slowly, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth and prevent sticking. If the chili has thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a little water or broth to loosen it to your desired consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. Once hot, top with fresh cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions before serving for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze Award Winning Chili Con Carne?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove, stirring occasionally.

What can I use if I don’t have kidney beans?

You can swap kidney beans for black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of both. It will still taste delicious and hearty.

How spicy is this chili recipe?

It has a medium level of heat thanks to the chili powder, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less cayenne and hot sauce to match your taste.

Enjoy Every Bite

With its rich flavor, hearty texture, and easy make-ahead options, this Award Winning Chili Con Carne is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it hot, pile on your favorite toppings, and enjoy every delicious bite!

More Recipes Hungry to Try

If you’re looking for more delicious ideas after making this Award Winning Chili Con Carne, here are a few Recipes Hungry favorites you’ll enjoy:

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