Description
Dad’s Award Winning Secret Ingredient Chili is a hearty, flavorful chili packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a unique blend of seasonings including semi-sweet chocolate and coffee grounds. This slow-simmered chili develops deep, rich flavors perfect for a comforting meal that stands out from the rest.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 2 lbs ground beef
Vegetables and Beans
- 2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (15.5 oz) can dark red kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can sweet corn kernels, drained
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 1 can MILD Bush’s chili starter
- 1 tsp dried chopped onion
- 1 pkg chili seasoning mix
- 1 oz semi sweet chocolate
- 1 tbsp coffee grounds
- 1/2–1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
Liquids
- 1 (12 oz) can or bottle lager style beer
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, strain the beef to remove excess grease, then return it to the pot.
- Add all other ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, sweet corn, Bush’s chili starter, dried chopped onion, chili seasoning mix, semi-sweet chocolate, coffee grounds, garlic powder, sugar, and lager beer to the pot. Stir everything well to combine evenly.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the chili mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently. Cook uncovered for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the chili becomes too thick, add water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once cooked, ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions.
Notes
- Straining the beef after browning helps reduce excess fat, making the chili less greasy.
- The semi-sweet chocolate and coffee grounds add depth and a subtle richness to the flavor profile.
- Simmering for a long time helps all flavors meld together for a more complex taste.
- You can adjust the chili seasoning or add extra spices like cumin or cayenne pepper for more heat.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce added liquids or simmer uncovered longer. For thinner chili, add broth or water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chili, beef chili, secret ingredient chili, award winning chili, slow simmer chili, chocolate chili, coffee chili, hearty chili
