Award-Winning Chili Cook-Off Recipe

Award-Winning Chili Cook-Off Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 420 calories per serving.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 10 min

Cost: $46.90 total, $3.91 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs Ground beef (80/20) (Browned and drained)
  • 1 lb Spicy breakfast sausage (Do not drain fat)
  • 6 oz Tomato paste
  • 1 Large onion (Chopped)
  • 2 Fresh jalapeños (Chopped, seeds removed for less heat)
  • 4 oz Hatch green chili (Diced, canned or fresh roasted)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh garlic (Minced)
  • 3 oz Williams Original Chili Seasoning
  • 44 oz Diced tomatoes (Canned)
  • 44 oz Tomato sauce (Canned)
  • 3 x 15.5 oz cans Bush's Chili Magic Campfire Style beans
  • to taste Zippy Zap hot sauce (optional) (For serving)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef

    In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 3 lbs of ground beef (80/20). Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until fully browned (about 10-12 minutes).

    Time: PT12M

  2. Drain the Beef

    Transfer the browned beef to a colander and drain off excess fat. Return the beef to the pot.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Add and Cook Sausage

    Add 1 lb of spicy breakfast sausage to the pot with the drained beef. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the sausage, until fully cooked and no longer pink (about 7 minutes). Do not drain the fat.

    Time: PT7M

  4. Add Tomato Paste

    Add 6 oz of tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize the paste slightly.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add Aromatics and Chilies

    Add 1 large chopped onion, 2 chopped fresh jalapeños, 4 oz diced Hatch green chili, and 2 tbsp minced garlic. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the onions are softened.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Add Seasoning and Tomatoes

    Stir in 3 oz Williams Original Chili Seasoning, 44 oz diced tomatoes, and 44 oz tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Simmer the Chili (First Simmer)

    Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cover with a lid and simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT1H

  8. Add Beans

    After 1 hour, add three 15.5 oz cans of Bush's Chili Magic Campfire Style beans (do not drain). Stir well to combine.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Simmer the Chili (Second Simmer)

    Cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT30M

  10. Serve

    Ladle the chili into bowls. Add a splash of Zippy Zap hot sauce or your favorite hot sauce if desired.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Cleanup

    Wash all used pots, utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces. Dispose of fat properly.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
420
Protein
28g
Carbohydrates
32g
Fat
21g
Fiber
8g

Dietary info: Gluten may be present (check sausage and seasoning), Dairy-free, Nut-free, high-fiber

Allergens: Soy (possible in sausage or seasoning), Wheat (possible in sausage or seasoning), Garlic, Onion

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Award-Winning Chili Cook-Off Recipe

A hearty, crowd-pleasing chili that has won over 600 chili cook-offs, featuring ground beef, spicy sausage, jalapeños, Hatch green chilies, and a blend of tomatoes and beans. This recipe is rich, spicy, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

MediumAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
21m
Prep
1h 56m
Cook
16m
Cleanup
2h 33m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$46.90
Total cost
$3.91
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat.
  • Do not drain the sausage fat after cooking; it adds flavor.
  • Simmer the chili covered for the full hour before adding beans.
  • Simmer again after adding beans for 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when draining hot fat to avoid burns.
  • Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation.
  • Keep pot handles turned inward to avoid accidental spills.
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