The Best Chili Ever
The Best Chili Ever ! is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 625 calories per serving. Recipe by Pepperbellypete on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 53 min | Total: 2 hrs 18 min
Cost: $45.64 total, $5.71 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, drained after browning)
- 1 lb Breakfast Sausage (Break up and brown; do not drain)
- 6 oz Tomato Paste (Canned, usually two 3‑oz cans)
- 3 oz Weams Original Chili Seasoning (Pre‑made chili spice blend)
- 1 Large Onion (Chopped)
- 3 Fresh Jalapeños (Seeded if less heat is desired, chopped)
- 6 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
- 44 oz Diced Tomatoes (Canned, preferably 28‑oz cans)
- 4 oz Hatch Green Chilies (Canned, diced)
- 44 oz Tomato Sauce (Canned)
- 3 cans Bush's Chili Magic Chili Starter (15‑oz cans, adds depth and thickness)
- to taste Zippy Zap Hot Sauce (A dash added at the end for extra kick)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Chop the onion, seed and dice the jalapeños, and mince the garlic cloves.
Time: PT10M
Brown Ground Beef
Heat the large pot over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef, break it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned. Drain the excess fat.
Time: PT10M
Brown Breakfast Sausage
Add the breakfast sausage to the same pot, crumble it, and brown until cooked through. Do NOT drain the rendered fat.
Time: PT8M
Add Seasoning and Aromatics
Stir in the Weams Original Chili Seasoning, chopped onion, jalapeños, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor.
Time: PT2M
Add Tomatoes, Chilies, and Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes, hatch green chilies, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Simmer First Hour
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and let cook for at least 1 hour.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: Low simmer (around 190°F)
Add Chili Magic Starter
Stir in the three cans of Bush's Chili Magic Chili Starter, cover, and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: Low simmer (around 190°F)
Finish with Zippy Zap
Add a dash of Zippy Zap hot sauce, stir, and taste for final seasoning adjustments.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls. Optional: garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 625
- Protein
- 38 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 50 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: High‑Protein, Gluten‑Free if using gluten‑free seasoning, Low‑Carb
Allergens: Beef, Pork, Potential gluten (if seasoning contains wheat)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
- Instead of Breakfast Sausage: Bulk pork sausage, Chorizo, Plant‑based sausage
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato puree, Ketchup (less ideal)
- Instead of Weams Original Chili Seasoning: Homemade chili powder blend
- Instead of Large Onion: Shallots, Yellow onion
- Instead of Fresh Jalapeños: Serrano peppers, Chipotle in adobo
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes
- Instead of Hatch Green Chilies: Fresh green chilies, Jalapeños
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Bush's Chili Magic Chili Starter: Other chili base mixes
- Instead of Zippy Zap Hot Sauce: Tabasco, Sriracha
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Can Opener
- Ladle (optional)
- Stove
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown ground beef and drain excess fat
- Brown breakfast sausage without draining
- Simmer the chili for at least 1 hour before adding the starter
- Simmer an additional 30 minutes after adding the Chili Magic starter
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of fresh and canned chilies for layered heat and flavor.
- Let the chili sit for at least 30 minutes after cooking; flavors meld together.
- For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika with the seasoning.
Troubleshooting
Chili is too watery.
Uncover and simmer for an additional 15‑20 minutes, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Chili is too thick.
Add broth, water, or a splash of beer until desired consistency is reached.
Chili is not spicy enough.
Add more fresh jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or extra Zippy Zap hot sauce.
Chili tastes bland.
Season with additional salt, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool to room temp before refrigerating.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chili tastes even better the next day; refrigerate and reheat gently.
- Freeze individual portions; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- If thickening occurs after refrigeration, add a splash of broth while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chili in American cuisine?
Chili has become a staple comfort food in the United States, especially in Texas and the Southwest, where it originated as a simple stew of meat, chilies, and spices cooked by cowboys and miners. Over time it evolved into a competitive dish featured in cook‑offs and community gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of chili in the United States?
Regional styles include Texas chili (no beans, heavy on meat and chilies), Cincinnati chili (served over spaghetti with unique spices), and New Mexico chili (often featuring green chilies and pork). Each version reflects local ingredients and cultural influences.
How is champion chili traditionally served in Texas cook‑off events?
At Texas chili cook‑offs, the winning chili is typically ladled into shallow bowls, sometimes topped with shredded cheese, chopped onions, or a dollop of sour cream, and served alongside cornbread or crackers for tasting judges.
What occasions or celebrations is chili traditionally associated with in American culture?
Chili is popular at backyard barbecues, football tailgate parties, community fundraisers, and especially during colder months as a warming, crowd‑pleasing dish for family gatherings.
What makes this champion chili special or unique in American chili cuisine?
The recipe combines both ground beef and breakfast sausage for richer flavor, uses fresh jalapeños for bright heat, and finishes with a dash of Zippy Zap hot sauce, giving it a distinctive kick that helped it win multiple cook‑off contests.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Texas‑style chili versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional Texas chili uses beef (often chuck), dried red chilies, and spices like cumin and oregano. Acceptable substitutes include ground beef, pork sausage for added richness, and fresh jalapeños or canned green chilies for convenience, as used in this recipe.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making champion chili?
Common errors include over‑draining the meat and losing flavor, cooking the chili on too high a heat which can cause scorching, and adding the chili starter too early, which prevents the flavors from developing fully during the long simmer.
Why does this chili recipe simmer for a full hour before adding the Chili Magic starter?
The initial hour allows the meat, tomatoes, and spices to meld and break down, creating depth of flavor. Adding the thickening starter later preserves its texture and prevents it from becoming overly gummy.
Can I make champion chili ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the chili improves after resting. Cool it to room temperature, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Pepperbellypete specialize in?
The YouTube channel Pepperbellypete focuses on bold, crowd‑pleasing American comfort foods, especially recipes that win contests or are perfect for gatherings, with a lively, step‑by‑step teaching style.
How does the YouTube channel Pepperbellypete's approach to American chili differ from other cooking channels?
Pepperbellypete emphasizes competition‑proven techniques, such as precise browning, long simmering, and the strategic use of specialty seasoning blends, while many other channels opt for quicker, shortcut methods.
Last updated: August 14, 2026
