Ultimate Beef & Bean Chili – Cozy, Spicy, and Crowd-Winning

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Created on August 15th, 2025 at 05:29 pm

Hearty, spicy, & perfect for game day

Looking for an award-winning chili recipe that’s rich, bold, and perfect for any occasion? This First Place Chili brings deep flavor with ground beef, savory beef sausage, spices, and beans for a one-pot wonder that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re prepping for a chilly weeknight, a tailgate party, or a casual fundraiser, this homemade chili recipe delivers every time. Plus, it’s flexible — stovetop or slow cooker — and makes plenty for leftovers like chili dogs, nachos, or even tamale pie. 🍲✨

First Place Chili Recipe – Bold, Hearty, Flavor-Packed

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (or 4 hours in slow cooker)
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8 hearty bowls

📝 Ingredients List

1 lb beef sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey as alternative)
1 large white onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., Rotel)
1 (16 oz) can chili beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can great Northern beans (or your favorite beans), drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
3 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
3 tablespoons masa harina (optional, for thickening)

🥣 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Brown the meat:
In a large stew pot over medium heat, add the beef sausage, ground beef, and chopped onion. Cook for about 15 minutes until meat is browned and onions are soft. Stir occasionally and break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. 🥄
Drain excess fat:
Once browned, carefully drain off any excess grease for a less oily finish.
Add chili ingredients:
Stir in the tomatoes with green chiles, both types of beans, tomato sauce, and all spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne).
Simmer for flavor:
Bring to a light simmer, then reduce the heat. Simmer uncovered for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken and develop a rich, spicy aroma. 🍅🌶️
(Optional) Thicken with masa harina:
If using, stir in masa harina during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a thicker, heartier texture.
Slow Cooker Option:
Prefer to set it and forget it? Brown the meats and onion first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours.

💡 Pro Tips

Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Substitution Ideas:
Swap beef sausage for chicken sausage if preferred. Use black or kidney beans instead of great Northern.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and cornbread or tortilla chips.
Meal Prep Tip:
Make a double batch and portion into containers for quick weekday lunches.

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 bowl	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.