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.

Presidential Chili Recipe (3)

This post contains affiliate links.

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.

Presidential Chili Recipe (4)

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.

Presidential Chili Recipe (5)

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
Presidential Chili Recipe (6)

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.

Presidential Chili Recipe (7)

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)

Rate this Recipe

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.

Rate this Recipe

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

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to see it! Make sure to share it on your favorite social platform.

Want Even More Recipes?

Join Moms Best Recipes to find more delicious family recipes.

Presidential Chili Recipe (9)

free ebook!

The Best of Simply Stacie

When you subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates!

Presidential Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What makes a good competition chili? ›

It contains NO beans or other “fillers”. Finely cut meat seems to be preferred to ground meat (although some cookoffs advertise as ground meat only). The chili contains very little or no grease. Winning chili must look good, smell good and taste good.

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

Why is Texas chili different? ›

What primarily distinguishes Texas chili from other chili recipes you might find is a lack of beans, but it also doesn't feature any tomatoes. It is, largely, a ground beef dish that's seasoned with a spicy chili paste made of dried peppers.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. 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.

Is chili better the longer it cooks? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

What is the most flavorful meat for chili? ›

The best chili meat is a combination of meats, often a mix of ground chuck, ground sirloin, brisket, diced tri-tip, and/or some bacon or sausage. Do your best to mix smaller pieces with larger pieces to stack textures and make it your own! Happy cooking!

What is the best bean to use in chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

What gives chili a rich flavor? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

Why do people put sour cream in chili? ›

For an extra tangy, rich bite, incorporate a dollop (or five) into your batch. This is already common practice in many white chili recipes (which, ironically, are often made with green chiles), but a dollop of stirred-in sour cream can benefit red chili, as well.

What state does not put beans in chili? ›

Of course, those results might make you cringe if you're from the Lone Star State — Texas chili is famously bean-free. Still, no-bean chili remains the favorite of many chili fans, accounting for 13.4% of our survey respondents.

Did Cowboys put beans in chili? ›

In all likelihood, beans have long been a part of chili, even in Texas. And while purists will argue the point until they're red in the face, that fight doesn't hold sway with historians like Guerra. Cowboys mixed chili and beans on their tin plates according to the Chili Appreciation Society International.

What is chili with beans called? ›

Chili with beans could be called chili frijoles or chili con carne con frijoles. I've not seen any other name than “chili with beans.”

Why would you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

Why do you put baking soda in chili? ›

In this chili recipe, baking soda (that same thing the fluffs up cakes and cookies) tenderizes the ground beef while making it brown better. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is alkaline.

What happens when you add sugar to chili? ›

Why is sugar used in this chili recipe? Sugar is used to cut the acidity of the tomatoes used in my homemade chili recipe. Using a small amount of sugar balances the flavors which in turn creates a smoother and richer taste overall.

How does Martha Stewart make chili? ›

Add chili powder, cocoa, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, broth, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until thickened slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve with sour cream and chives.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6196

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Birthday: 1996-05-10

Address: Apt. 425 4346 Santiago Islands, Shariside, AK 38830-1874

Phone: +96313309894162

Job: Legacy Sales Designer

Hobby: Baseball, Wood carving, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Lacemaking, Parkour, Drawing

Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.