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my triple cook-off winning chili

(39 ratings)
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Kelly Williams
Forked River, NJ

I used to love to participate in chili cook-offs, sooo much fun! But haven't done one in years. So, sharing my triple-winning recipe! (I've actually won 4, but this is the recipe that won 3 years in a row.) More than happy to share! Enjoy!! :D

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This chili has just the right amount of heat! The flavors blend well and it has fast become a favorite of many on the Crew. There's a bit of a sweet flavor in this chili. To us, the mushrooms are what makes this stand out from other chili recipes. Hearty and comforting.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(39 ratings)
yield serving(s)
prep time 20 Min
cook time 1 Hr 30 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For my triple cook-off winning chili

  • 3 lb
    lean hamburger
  • 1
    green bell pepper, diced
  • 1
    red bell pepper, diced
  • 4-8
    fresh jalapenos, diced small (add as many as you like for heat, but add at least 4 for mild for the kiddos. *i usually add all 8 for hotter!)
  • 1 lg
    onion, diced large
  • 1 tsp
    salt`
  • 1/2 tsp
    black pepper
  • 1 tsp
    garlic powder
  • 1/3 c
    good chili powder
  • 1 3/4 c
    ketchup, I use Heinz
  • 3 Tbsp
    lemon juice concentrate
  • 1/3 c
    dark brown sugar, can sub light but I just don't even buy that kind anymore because it always turns into a brick
  • 1 Tbsp
    Worcestershire sauce, I use Lea & Perrins
  • 2 tsp
    regular white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp
    yellow table mustard, French's
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp
    cumin
  • 3 c
    spicy hot V8 juice
  • 1 can
    dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained first in a colander til no longer foamy/bubbly (16 oz.)
  • 2 pkg
    fresh sliced mushrooms (8 oz. each)
  • 2 can
    Del Monte original stewed tomatoes, with the juice; crush tomatoes with hands as you add (14.5 oz. each)
  • 1 c
    beef bouillon, i use superior touch better than bouillon beef base (dissolve 1 tsp. beef base into 1 cup hot water to make 1 cup bouillon)
  • *more salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

How To Make my triple cook-off winning chili

  • Sauteeing hamburger, peppers, onion, jalapenos, and seasonings in a skillet.
    1
    Saute hamburger, green pepper, red bell pepper, onion, and jalapenos in a pan. Add 1 teaspoon (each) of salt and garlic powder. Add 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  • Draining the grease.
    2
    Drain the grease.
  • Sauteed hamburger and remaining ingredients in a stockpot.
    3
    Into a large stockpot or Crock Pot, add the sauteed hamburger meat. Then add the rest of the ingredients.
  • Chili simmering on the stove.
    4
    Stir all and bring just to a low simmer. Reduce heat and cook for at least 1 1/2 hours on low. Stir gently and occasionally. You can do this on the stove or in a large Crock Pot. Either way works.
  • A spoonful of My Triple Cook-Off Winning Chili.
    5
    Thick, rich, and slightly sweet/slightly hot chili! Very unique! Enjoy!! :D
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