Dinner

Dad’s Award Winning Secret Ingredient Chili Recipe

Bylina Carter October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

This chili recipe is truly a family favorite, known for its rich, hearty flavor and a secret ingredient that sets it apart from the rest. Perfect for a cozy night in or serving up at gatherings, Dad’s Award Winning Secret Ingredient Chili is a crowd-pleaser that warms every soul.

Two white bowls are filled with thick chili, showing multiple layers with dark brown ground meat, red kidney beans, and bright red tomato chunks mixed in a rich brown sauce. The chili is topped with a scattering of shredded orange cheddar cheese. The bowls are placed on a white cloth with red stripes on a white marbled textured surface. In the background, there are three pieces of yellow cornbread stacked, and two pieces of chocolate bar beside them, along with a small white bowl of shredded cheddar cheese and a glass of beer slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes

1 (15.5 oz) can dark red kidney beans
1 can MILD Bush’s chili starter

1 tsp dried chopped onion
1 can black beans

1 package chili seasoning mix
1 oz semi sweet chocolate
1 tbsp coffee grounds

1/2–1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tbsp sugar
1 (12 oz) can or bottle lager style beer

1 can sweet corn kernels, drained

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, stirring frequently to break it up. Once fully cooked, drain excess grease and return the beef to the pot.
Step 2: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili starter, dried chopped onion, black beans, chili seasoning mix, semi sweet chocolate, coffee grounds, garlic powder, sugar, beer, and drained corn kernels to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook the chili uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 3 hours. If the chili becomes too thick, add water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Once cooked, ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

For deeper flavor, use freshly ground coffee instead of pre-ground.

Adjust the amount of garlic powder and chili seasoning based on your heat preference.
Substitute the semi sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer taste.
Try different beans like pinto or cannellini for a unique twist.

Serving with cornbread complements the chili beautifully.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Two white bowls filled with rich chili are placed on a white cloth with red stripes over a white marbled surface. The chili is dark red with visible chunks of ground meat, kidney beans, and tomato pieces. Each bowl is topped with shredded orange cheddar cheese scattered evenly on the surface. In the background, there are stacked squares of yellow cornbread and some pieces of dark chocolate on the white marbled surface. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the ground beef, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

What can I use instead of coffee grounds?

If you prefer to skip the coffee grounds, you can substitute with a small amount of brewed coffee or omit it entirely, though it adds a subtle depth to the chili’s flavor.