One of the best things about fall is chili. For me, it’s always on the menu when I’m watching my favorite college football or pro teams play a game. Serve with cornbread and it’s a comforting fall meal. Besides being tasty, I love chili because no two bowls are alike. These Blue Ribbon chili recipes are proof of that.
“Every cook has a special version of chili and here’s mine,” says Kim Crain. “It’s meaty and nicely spiced with just the right amount of beans. I love the way the beans absorb the spices and rich tomato sauce.”
I liked the mix of meat in Kimmy’s Zesty Chili. Kim uses both beef and Italian sausage. Yum! Also, she adds lime juice for a bit of acid which I always like in chili. But she also uses honey. It sweetens the flavor a bit making for a mild – but still tasty – chili.
Cincinnati is famous for their style of chili. It’s different than other types (like Texas-style) in that it’s a thinner consistency. Made with ingredients like cinnamon, chocolate and Worcestershire sauce, it’s typically served over spaghetti.
Kim Biegacki (Boardman, OH) shared her recipe for Spicy Chocolate Chili that will take your taste buds to Ohio.
Kim and her husband were getting their taxes done when their tax consultant had chili that smelled delicious. “I was taken aback by the taste of this sweet, spicy chili and was trying to figure out what was in it,” explains Kim. “My first two guesses were honey and maple syrup; my third was chocolate. He said yes to the chocolate. So, my husband and I had a chili cook-off and this is my rendition of a spicy chocolate chili.”
The sweet-spicy flavor of this chili comes through in this recipe. Whether you like your Cincinnati chili 2-way (spaghetti with chili), 3-way (spaghetti, chili, shredded cheddar cheese on top), 4-way (spaghetti, chili, onions or red kidney beans, shredded cheddar cheese on top) or 5-way (spaghetti, chili, onions, red kidney beans, shredded cheddar cheese on top), chili lovers in your family are sure to love this one.
“This hearty fiesta chili has just the right level of spice,” thinks Jeanette Nelson (Sophia, WV) of her Fiesta Chili Lime Con Carne recipe. “One bite and you will see why it’s the best chili for any sporty snack showdown!”
With a bit of a bite, this is a perfect game day treat. The combination of bell peppers, meat, spices, and beans is fantastic. It’s packed with flavor.
Monica Valenti’s (Columbia, SC) Sweet and Spicy Chili is so hearty it’s like three meals in one!
“Don’t let the long ingredient list scare you off,” shares Monica. “This is a super meaty chili that satisfies even the heartiest of football fans watching the Sunday game.”
Monica’s chili can be prepared ahead of time and then warmed in a Crock Pot for the game. Set out classic chili toppings, along with the slow cooker, and let your guests build their own delicious bowls of chili.
“With fall in the air (tonight) it is time to be thinking chili, soup, and chowders,” reveals Bennie Shaw (Hagerman, NM). “This Super Bowl Chili (Anytime) is our all-time favorite chili. I have made this over 20 years.”
Chunky and full of texture, this chili isn’t for the faint of heart. It has some kick behind it. I love the mixture of pork and ground beef. The robust flavor from the chili powder and cumin makes this yummy. Cheese and sour cream mellow this a little and are the perfect topping.
If you love a big bowl of chili too, try one of these Blue Ribbon chili recipes the next game day. They’re fall in a bowl. Our chili collection has even more recipes you can check out. Happy Pinching!