Presidential Chili Recipe (2024)

Calling all chili lovers, have I got a recipe for you! This Presidential Chili recipe is packed full of vibrant flavors, tender ground beef, and the right amount of spice. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, oyster crackers, or a sprinkle of sharp cheese over the top. This Presidential Chili will warm you up from the inside out.

Presidential Chili Recipe (1)

It’s National Chili Day at the end of February so this week the Friday Recipe Club is sharing our favorite chili recipes. This recipe is an interpretation of President Obama’s family chili recipe!

Homestyle Presidential Chili Recipe

Michelle had shared her husband’s recipe, and it became an instant favorite and that is why it is now called Presidential Chili. For someone who knows chili, I couldn’t pass up giving the recipe a try. It was absolutely delicious, and I think you all will love it as well if you enjoy a meaty and beany style chili.

Presidential Chili Recipe (2)

Growing up my mom often made chili. Her recipe included tomatoes, onions, ground beef, mushrooms, green pepper, kidney beans and lots of chili powder. I often make it the same way, but today I wanted to share a slight variation on the recipe. I thought why not step out and try something a bit different.

Another yummy chili recipe to try: Pumpkin Chili and Taco Chili.

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I discovered it in one of my cookbooks,Make It Fast, Cook It Slow, but changed a few things. They used ground turkey where I use ground beef. They also used fresh tomatoes and I prefer to use cans of diced tomatoes.

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This recipe has a few different spices in it like turmeric and basil which I normally don’t put in chili. It also has a secret ingredient: red wine vinegar. Don’t knock it till you try it. It complements the flavors perfectly. I’m adding red wine vinegar to all my chili recipes from now on. It takes the chili to a whole new level of delicious!

Other Tasty Chili Recipes To Try

I told you I can’t help but leave a spot open for chili in my heart. If you want to try some unique chili recipes, here is a handful that I highly recommend! You will be glad you tried them, trust me on this!

  • White Chicken Chili
  • Southwestern Turkey 5 Bean Chili
  • Bean Chili
  • Slow Cooker Verde Chicken Chili

Different Ways to Serve Chili Besides A Bowl

Okay, some of these ideas on how to eat chili are a little out of the box. BUT, know that some people swear by eating chili this way, and it could be a dynamite combination if you give it a try!

Serve over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice| I was a little taken back when I saw this, but a lot of people love it. You will find the rice adds a new dimension to the chili. You drain off some of the broth so it is more the meat and bean mixture.

Loaded Potatoes| I love this idea, on using a potato as the base, and pouring chili into the potato and topping with cheese, sour cream, green onions, etc.

Fries| Loaded fries are a favorite. Serve up your favorite fries, add on chili, cheese, diced onions, and any other toppings and dive in.

Spaghetti Squash| I know someone who cooks up a spaghetti squash and then loads in chili on top. It is like a ‘healthy’ pasta and chili version. They swear by the combo.

Taco Salads| We have done this with leftover chili. You cut up a head of lettuce, add on your chili and taco toppings and dive in with some tortillas or Frito chips. It is so delicious.

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What Sides Go Best With Presidential Chili

You can totally eat this chili all by itself, and it will be delicious down to the last drop. Or you can reach for a homemade cinnamon roll, to add some sweetness. We grew up dipping fresh cinnamon rolls into our chili at school. Don’t knock it till you try it! Or go for a more savory side and do a cornbread! Both options are really delicious.

Best Toppings for Presidential Chili

While I love chili plain, I also love adding new dimensions of flavor by layering on toppings. Here are a handful of popular and tasty toppings to consider.

  • Shredded Cheese
  • Fresh Avocado
  • Oyster Crackers or Saltines
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Sour Cream
  • Fresh Tomatoes
  • Salsa
  • Splash of Hot Sauce
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Give this Presidential Chili recipe a try if you are looking to try a different recipe for a change from your traditional chili. While it does have a handful more ingredients, they all work together so nicely to really add dimensions.

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I also found that the leftovers the next day tasted even better. The flavors sat and really blended even more so the spices came out even stronger. But, I find that happens with a lot of chili recipes. So give it a try and let me know what you guys think.

You’ll also like Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili and Frito Chili Pie.

Have you tried out the Presidential Chili Recipe yet?

Presidential Chili Recipe (8)

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4.62 from 21 votes

Presidential Chili Recipe

Created by Stacie Vaughan

Servings 6

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Total Time 8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

The best hearty chili recipe made with a secret ingredient! Warm up with a bowl of meaty comfort food packed with ground beef and seasoned kidney beans.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes 28oz cans
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 sweet onion chopped
  • 1 green pepper chopped
  • 1 can kidney beans 19oz can, drained
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef on the stove top. Drain the fat and add into your slow cooker.

  • Add the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker and stir to combine.

  • Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours. Serve over rice or with a slice of bread if desired.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 993mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 12g

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course Soups

Cuisine American

Keyword chili, chili recipe, Presidential Chili

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Presidential Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What to put in chili to make it taste better? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

How many pounds of meat for chili per person? ›

But you can also use a combination: Some cooks even like to use a number of different cuts, combining stew meat with ground. Consider between ¼ and a ⅓ of a pound per person. It should yield enough fat to flavor your chili well.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Spices: Freshly ground cumin is a must. If it's not fresh, then don't bother. Secret Ingredients & Technique: I like extra hot chili, so I round up all spicy ingredients. I cool it down by piling on lots of fresh fixins' including scallions, cilantro, and sour cream.

What adds depth to chili? ›

Add beans or veggies.

Thick-cut root veggies will release their natural starches as they cook and help thicken the pot. Sweet potatoes, winter squash, and a regular potato all work. Adding more beans helps too. Thick, refried beans can do wonders for a thin chili.

What is the best liquid for chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

What brings out the flavor in chili? ›

Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Should I drain hamburger meat for chili? ›

The best ground beef for chili has some fat, so 85% lean is ideal. Don't be tempted to use extra-lean beef or drain off the fat after browning the meat. The fat bastes the meat during cooking, which adds richness to the sauce and keeps the meat moist.

Should I saute onions before adding to chili? ›

Sautéing onions, garlic, and other veggies first coaxes maximum flavor out of them. So make sure your onions, for example, are soft and translucent before you add your liquid.

Do you drain beans for chili? ›

Too much liquid will thin your chili

The same holds true for using canned beans in chili. According to Taste of Home, you should typically drain canned beans before adding them to your pot of chili. All that liquid can seriously water the chili down, diluting all its flavors.

Why add baking soda to chili? ›

Ground Beef: Provides the hearty meaty base for the chili. Opt for 85% lean; the fat enriches the meat, enhancing the dish's overall flavor and texture. And don't stress about the fat—post-cooking, it's easy to skim off any excess. Baking Soda: Helps tenderize the beef by locking in moisture, making it more succulent.

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