Winter and cold weather have arrived and that means it's time for cozy comfort foods, with chili being the ultimate comfort food! If you're looking for Award-winning Chili Recipes, you've come to the right place. I've rounded up these 11 best chili recipes from my fellow food bloggers and included a variety of chili recipes, such as stovetop chili, instant-pot chili, crock-pot chili, award-winning Texas chili, steak chili, and turkey chili. I selected these recipes because they are all prize winning chili recipes that have won awards and competitions of some kind, including local and family chili cook-off contests, online chili contests, and national competitions!
Chili is also the perfect game day or tailgating food and it's ideal for whipping up for a large group or a simple family dinner. There's nothing like a bowl of hearty chili to warm you up on a cold day, so get cozy and cook up these tried and true recipes!
The Ultimate Chili
I am very fussy when it comes to chili and have attended many chili contests and cook-offs in my life (which is just too much fun :)), as well as tasted many-a-chili recipe (although I've only ever had the opportunity to compete in one friendly contest). But as far as my taste buds are concerned, this Pork and Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe has never been beaten!
Best Chili ever!
Made with both pork and beef and topped with a dollop of sour cream, it's really good chili. In fact, it's the best chili recipe I have ever had (with the best secret ingredient) and by far, my favorite chili recipe! And if I ever have the opportunity to compete in another chili contest or chili cook-off, I will definitely be using this recipe!
Here's what others are saying about this Stovetop Pork and Beef Chili recipe: "This is BY FAR the best chili I have ever made and tasted!! So easy, so yummy and the fresh dill is the deal breaker. I would give it 6 stars if I could! Thank you for sharing Terri!!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Top Tips:
🍲What to do with leftover Chili:
Chili is amazing to eat straight up, but a great way to use leftover chili is as a topping. Use it on:
- a baked potato
- French fries
- a hot dog (chili dog)
- macaroni and cheese (chili mac)
Toppings for chili:
Here are my recommendations for the best toppings for chili, but the possibilities are endless!
- cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- Greek yogurt
- Tortilla chips
- Tortilla strips
- Fritos
- Black olives
- Green onion
- Jalapeños
- Banana pepper rings
- Diced avocado
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Diced Tomato
- Corn (canned, fresh or frozen)
- Salsa
- Cornbread or cornbread muffins
🌶️Make it Spicy!
If you like your chili on the spicy side, spice up your chili with these add-ins:
- hot sauce
- crushed red chili peppers
- jalapeño peppers
- Frank's hot sauce
Equipment
You will need a large pot and a skillet for making chili, but you could also use a large Dutch oven, as a Dutch oven (affiliate link) browns your meat and cooks the chili in one pot. It can also go in the oven (if you want to melt cheddar cheese on top). You will also need a cheese grater, a sharp knife and cutting board. For some of these recipes, you'll need a crock pot. (affiliate link)
🌡️Storage
It's best to let your chili cool (uncovered) before putting the lid on the container and putting it in the fridge. But do not leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours or bacteria will start to grow.
Each recipe will have specific storage instructions, but chili generally lasts 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Most of these recipes can be frozen, but check the storage instructions for each individual recipe.
So if you're looking for a classic chili recipe or traditional chili recipe or something new and unique, you can't go wrong with any of these award-winning chili recipes!
And if you're hungry for more award-winning recipes, check out this post: 40 Award-winning Recipes !
Kristy Richardson
So many great recipes that look delicious, I'll have to check out some new ideas! Thanks for including my turkey chili in this great list!
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Kristy! I can't wait to try your turkey Chili!
Shelley
There are so many intriguing recipes here! Definitely bookmarking - perfect for all the chilly days this winter, and definitely for Super Bowl Sunday! Thanks for the inspo! 🙂
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Shelley!