George's Chili - The BEST Chili Recipe (2024)

Want to try the best Chili Recipe? While I was away last week my husband George came up with his own Chili Recipe. Thankfully he saved me a bowl because it is really good. I mean really good, like the best chili recipe. In fact, if you read the comments someone used this recipe and won a chili contest.

George's Chili - The BEST Chili Recipe (1)

Thank you for stopping by today. Please check out more delicious recipes, comment and let me know how your family liked this one!

Maybe I should change the name to “award-winning chili recipe.” So if you have searched for the best homemade chili recipe I think we have one for you. You will love the slow-cooked chili full of flavor! Thank you, George!

How do you make hearty chili?

Just follow the instructions and you will have a blue ribbon chili! I think adding a can of diced tomatoes and green chilis along with the other tomatoes give it a nice flavor. My husband says it is the beer that makes this chili.

Another difference might be the omission of tomato sauce. He used three different kinds of beans. I would make sure to use western-style ranch beans and the mild chili beans, but you could substitute black beans or kidney beans drained for the pinto beans. Be careful though with substitutions. From the comments, this recipe is good as is.

Grab a large pot and let’s get cooking.I think you could also use a slow cooker for this recipe. Just be sure you are stirring occasionally.

What ingredients do you need for chili?

  • Lean ground beef
  • Ground sausage (we like sage flavored)
  • Chopped onion
  • Chopped garlic (I know some people substitute garlic powder NOT garlic salt, but we always use fresh and a garlic press)
  • Beans
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Cayenne pepper (ground red pepper)
  • Paprika
  • Tomato Paste
  • Beef Broth
  • Canned diced tomatoes
  • Rotel,diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Beer (George’s special ingredient)

The Best Chili Recipe

So here it is an award-winning chili recipe! You will see loads of information online about how to thicken chili. If you ever need to do that just make a slurrywith about a 1/4-cup of the chili liquid and 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch if gluten-free. However, you won’t need to thicken this recipe. In fact, one of the commenters added a bit more beef broth to make it a little less thick.

Now you know how to make the best chili EVER!I do hope you love this beef chili, it really doesn’t even need any of these toppings!

What toppings go with chili?

We love our chili topped with:

  • chopped onions
  • jalapenos
  • shredded cheddar cheese.
  • sour cream
  • avocado
  • salsa or ketchup (I am not a fan of this, but I see so many people pour on the ketchup)
  • tabasco
George's Chili - The BEST Chili Recipe (2)

What sides go with chili?

Serve any of these ideas with chili

  • World’s Best Cornbread. (I promise you this recipe doesn’t disappoint)
  • Saltine Crackers
  • Corn chips
  • Veggies – We always serve veggies and homemade ranch dip alongside
  • Hot Dogs – YUM! Chili Cheese Dog!
  • Grilled Cheese
  • French Fries – This recipe would make great chili cheese fries

What do you serve with your chili?

Is chili healthy?

Of course, it depends on the individual ingredients in your recipe (and what you serve it with), but most chili recipes are packed full of nutrients that are good for you. The meat and beans provide protein. The beans also provide fiber and iron.Tomatoes and tomato paste are an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to improve your body’s immune system and can help keep you healthy.Onionsare healthy whether they’re raw or cooked! They contain fiber and folic acid, and a B vitaminthat helpsthebody make healthy new cells.Onionsare healthy whether they’re raw or cooked! Garlic isrich in vitamin C,vitaminB6, and manganese.

You can make chili more healthy by choosing your ingredients wisely. Go for low sodium canned tomatoes to cut down on salt. Consider adding extra veggies like carrots and bell peppers.

This recipe does use sausage which would make it a bit higher in fat. Feel free to substitute lean ground beef for the sausage. My weight loss soup is another healthy soup with loads of benefits to your body.

More Chili Recipes

If you love a good chili try my Cincinnati Chili. It is served over noodles. I love serving this recipe to a crowd. If you like those one-pot meals mychili maccan be made in a skillet. If you need a quick chili in 30 minutes that tastes like it cooked all day we also love this pressure cooker chili. It makes a super quick and delicious weeknight dinner. During the winter I think we are eating chili weekly so the pressure cooker makes for a quick meal.

What is the best way to cook chili in a slow cooker?

When we have all day to let something cook Crock Pot Chili is always a crowd-pleaser. It is a great stress-free recipe when company is coming over. Slow cooker chili is so easy. In fact, I am going to put George’s Chili recipe in the slow cooker soon! This is how I would do it.In a skillet place ground beef, onion, garlic, and cook on medium-high heat. Drain off any fat. Placebeef, onion, garlic, and remaining ingredientsIn 4- to 5-quart slow cooker (affliliate link). Cover and cook on a low heat setting for 6 to 8 hours.

Chili is a great meal for a crowd. When a have a lot of mouths to feed we also serve walking tacos. They are always a huge hit!

Your search for the best chili is over! I hope you love this great recipe. My husband loves it. (He is a bit partial but it looks like he is not alone. Enjoy!

What are your favorite chili toppings? Since I am gluten free I love corn chips to give a bit of crunch when others are using saltines.

If you need a quick dinner try this taco soup! I always keep the ingredients on hand when I need a last-minute meal.

I would love to keep you fully stocked with creative ideas, yummy recipes, fun crafts, and loads of free printables. Subscribe to Skip to my Lou to get new ideas delivered to your inbox. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram for all my latest updates.

George's Chili - The BEST Chili Recipe (3)

5 from 9 votes

George’s Chili Recipe

The best chili recipe.. rich, robust and super delicious! Top with sour cream, cheddar cheese and jalapeños to really throw it over the top.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Save RecipeRate RecipePrint Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 lb sage sausage
  • 7 to 8 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2- 6 oz cans tomato paste
  • 1 3/4 cups beef broth
  • 1-12 ounce bottle dark beer or ale George used Ale
  • 3-8 ounce cans diced tomatoes with juice
  • 2-15 oz cans southwest style pinto beans
  • 1-15 oz can mild chili beans beans
  • 1-15 oz can western style ranch beans
  • 1-10 can mild Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies undrained
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a stock pot, over medium high heat brown beef and sausage, drain. Add in onion and garlic and cook over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent.

  • Add all the spices and cook 5 minutes over medium heat. Stir in tomato paste and let cook while opening the lids on all the cans. Add remaining chili ingredients; stir until combined. Heat to boiling for a few minutes and stir constantly then reduce heat to low. Cover, simmer 4 hours stirring about every 20 minutes to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

  • Serve with crackers, cheese, or other things such as chopped jalapeño peppers or chopped fresh onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 949mg | Potassium: 1001mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1260IU | Vitamin C: 9.1mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 5.4mg

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: Cindy Hopper

George's Chili - The BEST Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What is George's chili supreme? ›

Many a cold winter day, Craig's dad spent perfecting his now-signature creation—a hearty, medium-spicy chili con carne, made with simmered homestyle beef, diced tomatoes, dark red kidney beans, peppers, onion and celery, along with a secret blend of peppery spices, topped with sour cream, cheese, and onions.

What is the best thickener for chili? ›

Cornmeal is one of our go-to thickening agents for chili. Unlike all-purpose flour, this Southern pantry staple adds a subtle earthy flavor to the chili in addition to thickening it up. You can use white or yellow cornmeal that is fine to medium-grain.

What can I add to chili to make it unique? ›

5 Secret Ingredients That'll Take Your Chili to the Next Level
  1. Cocoa Powder. Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you're making a batch of chili but it pairs perfectly with peppers. ...
  2. Beer. Why use water or stock as your liquid when you could add beer? ...
  3. Coffee. ...
  4. Cinnamon.
Sep 12, 2021

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Ground cumin

It's hard to imagine Mexican chilli con carne without cumin. This spice is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and pairs nicely with hot peppers to round out the flavours of the dish.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

Add Bite For Flavor Boost

Sometimes after a long simmer, your chili will taste wonderful be maybe missing one little thing you can't figure out. Try a tad bit of vinegar or a squeeze of lime! The acidity in vinegar & limes bring a good roundness to the pot and binds all the flavors together.

Does Culvers make their own chili? ›

This dedication to quality and hospitality led them to open the first Culver's restaurant in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984. Here in the Culver's kitchen, George was able to spend time perfecting his special chili recipe. This now-signature creation became known on the Culver's menu as George's Chili.

How much sodium is in Culver's chili? ›

Nutrition Facts
Calories 300(1255 kJ)
Saturated Fat4 g20%
Trans Fat1 g
Cholesterol45 mg15%
Sodium1410 mg59%
11 more rows

How many carbs are in Culver's Chili Supreme? ›

390 Calories
Fat20 g
Carbs28 g
Fiber6 g
Protein20 g

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Ideally, chili should simmer low and slow. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate and results in a thicker consistency and deeper, more complex flavor as the aromatics and spices release their superpowers.

Should I add cornstarch to chili? ›

All-purpose flour and cornstarch are useful for thickening chili, as well as sauces, soups, and stews. However, you'll want to avoid adding these ingredients directly to your recipe, as this will result in clumps. Instead, create a slurry and add it slowly to help the thickener fully incorporate.

How long does chili need to simmer? ›

Add diced tomatoes, tomato juice, ketchup, beans, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, pepper, paprika, cumin and cayenne. Simmer: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring, then reduce the heat and simmer over medium-low heat for at least one hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

What is the secret to perfect chili? ›

Cook it long enough

Chili recipes need time for flavors to meld and come together, and collagen-rich meat (like chuck roast or ground beef) needs 90 minutes to two hours to fully break down and become tender. If you don't have time for a long simmer, try using a slow cooker or making it the day before.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

How to deepen chili flavor? ›

Just a few tablespoons of cocoa powder (or even a few squares of a dark chocolate bar) can give your pot of chili that extra level of depth you've been searching for. Cocoa has a rich and creamy mouthfeel and can give your chili a nutty, floral, and even raisin-like flavor.

How do you make can chili taste better? ›

"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said. "The fresh burst of flavor will brighten and elevate the chili while also adding great texture and crunch."

What does adding sugar to chili do? ›

Sugar is used to cut the acidity of the tomatoes used in my homemade chili recipe. Using a small amount of sugar balances the flavors which in turn creates a smoother and richer taste overall.

What gives chili its kick? ›

Canned tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, ground black pepper and cayenne all add varying amounts of heat to the chili. If you want to really turn things up, use hot chili powder and the full amount of cayenne pepper. Also, make sure your spices are fresh.

What makes a good competition chili? ›

The chili contains very little or no grease. Winning chili must look good, smell good and taste good. Because the judging process takes a couple of hours, chili must retain its color, consistency, aroma, taste and afterbite while hot, warm, lukewarm and then cool in a styrofoam judging cup.

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