What kind of ground beef should I use?

80/20 ground beef is the best meat for chili. The fat content of 80/20 ground beef adds moisture to chili without making it overly fatty. Ways to avoid an overly fatty chili include thoroughly browning the meat and draining excess fat. Other tips can help you prepare a balanced chili that includes a flavorful meat ingredient.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store chilled in a container with a lid to let the flavors meld overnight. Rewarm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add fresh toppings just before serving to preserve their texture.

What should I serve with this chili?

This chili pairs nicely with cornbread muffins to add sweetness and texture contrast. Sour cream and shredded cheese are other good accompaniments for this dish. A garden salad offers a refreshing flavor contrast. Pickled jalapeños can be a good addition for people who enjoy spicy foods. Other good side dishes to serve with this chili include these options.

How can I adjust the spice level?

You can increase the spice level by adding finely chopped jalapeños and other spicy ingredients to the chili recipe. Taste the dish throughout the cooking process to ensure that it meets your taste preferences. One way to add spice to a chili dish that is already cooking is to stir in some hot sauce or chili powder.

What if my chili turns out too thick?

If your chili thickens too much while cooking, you can thin it out by gradually adding ¼ cup of beef broth or water at a time until you reach your desired thickness. Adding broth or water to chili can help maintain its rich flavor, making it a good option for thinning chili without affecting its flavor. Stir often to avoid burning.

Dad's Award Winning Secret Ingredient Chili: Unforgettable Depth and Richness

By Ethan ParkerSep 17, 2026

Prep

15 min

Cook

180 min

Total

195 min

Servings

Level

Medium

Jump to recipe

Chocolate and coffee are included in Dad's Award Winning Secret Ingredient Chili recipe for added flavor. Other ingredients in the chili recipe are ground beef and beans in a broth. The chili dish is filling and satisfying. This one-dish recipe is simple to prepare. Slow cooking enhances flavors. The chili's texture will be luscious. Stir often to prevent sticking.

Dad's Award Winning Secret Ingredient Chili: Unforgettable Depth and Richness

What makes this special

The semisweet chocolate helps enhance the beef flavors in the dish but doesn't introduce any sweetness and otherwise improves the dish's flavors.
Coffee grounds add texture and flavor to chili without giving it a coffee flavor.
Cooking chili for three hours helps flavors meld and results in a more filling and flavorful dish than other foods.
One pot can be used to prepare and serve this beef chili, saving time and other dish cleanup. This recipe is a good choice for weeknights.
Preparation time is short because chili ingredients are easy to prepare, giving you time to do other things while your chili cooks on the stove.
This recipe can be used to make either a spicy or non-spicy dish. Add jalapeños or other chili starters as desired to make this dish hotter or milder.

Instructions

Start by browning 2 lbs of ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.

Stir it frequently until it's completely cooked through and no pink remains.

Carefully drain off any excess grease from the browned beef.

Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili starter, chili seasoning, dried onion, chocolate, coffee grounds, garlic powder, sugar, lager beer, and corn to the pot.

Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low for a gentle simmer.

Let the chili simmer uncovered for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Ladle the hearty chili into bowls and serve hot.

Optional: Garnish with your favorite toppings for extra flair.

FAQ

Yes, this chili can be frozen. Cool the chili completely after cooking, then freeze it in freezer-safe containers. This chili will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw the frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Add broth or water as needed to thin the chili after reheating.

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Dinner Soups & Stews American One Pot

Dad's Award Winning Secret Ingredient Chili: Unforgettable Depth and Richness

Name: Dad's Award Winning Secret Ingredient Chili: Unforgettable Depth and Richness
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 195 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 recommended); 2 28 oz cans Diced Tomatoes; 1 15.5 oz can Dark Red Kidney Beans; 1 can Black Beans; 1 can MILD Bush’s Chili Starter; 1 oz Semisweet Chocolate; 1 tbsp Coffee Grounds (freshly ground for best flavor); 1/2 tbsp Sugar (do not skip); 1 package Chili Seasoning Mix; 1 tsp Dried Chopped Onion (fresh onion optional); 1/2 1 tsp Garlic Powder (may adjust to taste); 1 12 oz Lager Style Beer; 1 can Sweet Corn Kernels (drained)

By Ethan ParkerSep 17, 2026

Prep

15 min

Cook

180 min

Total

195 min

Servings

Level

Medium

Jump to recipe

What makes this special

The semisweet chocolate helps enhance the beef flavors in the dish but doesn't introduce any sweetness and otherwise improves the dish's flavors.
Coffee grounds add texture and flavor to chili without giving it a coffee flavor.
Cooking chili for three hours helps flavors meld and results in a more filling and flavorful dish than other foods.
One pot can be used to prepare and serve this beef chili, saving time and other dish cleanup. This recipe is a good choice for weeknights.
Preparation time is short because chili ingredients are easy to prepare, giving you time to do other things while your chili cooks on the stove.
This recipe can be used to make either a spicy or non-spicy dish. Add jalapeños or other chili starters as desired to make this dish hotter or milder.

Ingredients

Servings6

•2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 recommended)
•2 28 oz cans Diced Tomatoes
•1 15.5 oz can Dark Red Kidney Beans
•1 can Black Beans
•1 can MILD Bush’s Chili Starter
•1 oz Semisweet Chocolate
•1 tbsp Coffee Grounds (freshly ground for best flavor)
•½ tbsp Sugar (do not skip)
•1 package Chili Seasoning Mix
•1 tsp Dried Chopped Onion (fresh onion optional)
•½ 1 tsp Garlic Powder (may adjust to taste)
•1 12 oz Lager Style Beer
•1 can Sweet Corn Kernels (drained)

Instructions

1
Start by browning 2 lbs of ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
2
Stir it frequently until it's completely cooked through and no pink remains.
3
Carefully drain off any excess grease from the browned beef.
4
Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili starter, chili seasoning, dried onion, chocolate, coffee grounds, garlic powder, sugar, lager beer, and corn to the pot.
5
Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low for a gentle simmer.
6
Let the chili simmer uncovered for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
Ladle the hearty chili into bowls and serve hot.
8
Optional: Garnish with your favorite toppings for extra flair.