Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe
Mom’s Award-Winning Chili is a rich, hearty dish full of bold flavor. With a satisfying mix of ground beef and pork, robust spices, and a couple of unexpected ingredients—masa harina and semi-sweet chocolate—this chili delivers comfort and depth in every bite.
🏆 Mom’s Award-Winning Chili
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Neutral-flavored oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Large onion, diced | 1 |
| Chili powder | 6 tablespoons |
| Ground cumin | 4 teaspoons |
| Ground coriander | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Ground beef | 2 lbs |
| Ground pork | 1 lb |
| Diced tomatoes (with juice) | 4 (15 oz) cans |
| Pinto beans (drained) | 2 (15 oz) cans |
| Bay leaves | 3 |
| Masa harina | 2 tablespoons |
| Semi-sweet baking chocolate | 2 oz |
Instructions:
- Cook Onion:
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. - Bloom the Spices:
Stir in chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously to release their aromas. - Add Garlic:
Mix in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. - Brown the Meat:
Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add ground beef and pork, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir frequently until the meat is fully browned. - Simmer the Chili:
Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), drained pinto beans, and bay leaves. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 1½ to 2 hours. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld. - Finish with Chocolate and Masa:
Once the chili has simmered, remove the bay leaves. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate and masa harina. Let it cook for another 5–10 minutes to melt the chocolate and thicken the chili.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings—like shredded cheese, sour cream, or a warm piece of cornbread. This chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time! 🌶️
