What’s the secret to making the best chili?

The secret is a custom chili seasoning blend with chili powder, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mix, along with slow simmering, creates a rich, well-rounded flavor.

Can I substitute homemade chili seasoning with store-bought chili seasoning?

Absolutely! Store-bought seasoning can work in a pinch, but homemade seasoning gives you control over the flavors and lets you adjust the spice levels to your liking.

Which beans work best in chili?

Kidney beans are ideal as they add a hearty texture and hold up well in the sauce. Just make sure to rinse them before adding to avoid excess saltiness.

How long should I let chili simmer?

For optimal flavor, let it simmer for at least an hour. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavors become, and it also thickens nicely, making it perfect for leftovers!

Lolly's Blue Ribbon Chili

Lolly’s Blue Ribbon Chili

My sister's delicious blue ribbon chili recipe.

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Lolly’s Blue Ribbon Chili is a flavorful, hearty chili made with seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, and a rich tomato base. A bold blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne gives it just the right kick. Simmered to perfection, it’s a cozy classic for chilly nights.

Author: Crystel Montenegro
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

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Ingredients for Blue Ribbon Chili

2 pounds ground beef
1/2 onion diced
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic salt
2 1/2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup of salsa
4 tbsp Chili seasoning mix (use your own or see below)
2 – 15 oz cans kidney beans

Ingredients for Chili Seasoning Mix

2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1
In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for your homemade chili seasoning mix. Give it a good stir, then set it aside for later.

Step 2
Dice up your onions and set them aside.

Step 3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Once the meat is no longer pink and the onions have softened and turned translucent, you’re good to go. Drain the excess grease and return the skillet to the stovetop.

Step 4
Now it’s time to build flavor! Start by adding black pepper and garlic salt, then stir in the tomato sauce and salsa. Sprinkle in the chili seasoning you made in Step 1, and finally, rinse and add the canned kidney beans. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5
Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer on low heat for at least an hour to bring all those flavors together.

Notes

You can top the blue ribbon chili with cheese, sour cream, green onions, diced red onions, tortilla chips, or corn chips. This classic chili would also be a yummy addition to a baked potato bar.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 322
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1105mg
Fat: 14.9g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 5.5g
Protein: 24.8g

Find it online: https://crystelmontenegrohome.com/lollys-blue-ribbon-chili/