If you’re on the hunt for a chili that’s bursting with flavor, generously hearty, and perfect for crowd-pleasing occasions, this Award-Winning Hearty Beef and Pork Chili with Three Beans and Spices Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining the rich depth of beef and pork with the comforting earthiness of three types of beans, plus a dynamic blend of spices, every spoonful is like a warm, satisfying hug that sticks with you long after the last bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe balances simplicity and robust taste in a way few chilies can match.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marble surface holds many small bowls and items arranged neatly. Two portions of raw ground meat wrapped in white paper sit center-left. Above is a small bowl with sour cream, and beside it are small bowls with chopped green onions, black pepper, and red spice powder. To the right, bowls contain black beans, kidney beans, diced white onions, diced red bell peppers, and pinto beans. Below the beans and onions are a bowl with chopped green bell peppers, a small bowl of minced garlic, a bowl of crushed tomatoes, and a small bowl of salt. A glass container with red sauce and a bottle of hot sauce stand near the bottom left. Around the items are fresh cilantro and sliced avocado on a white plate, along with shredded cheddar cheese nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your hands on the right ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the complex, layered flavors that make this chili truly award-winning. From the savory meats to the colorful peppers and the mix of beans, every ingredient adds something special to the pot.

1 pound 80/20 ground beef: The perfect ratio of fat to meat for juicy, flavorful chili base.
1 pound ground pork: Adds rich, slightly sweet undertones that enhance depth.
1 large yellow onion, diced: Brings aromatics and a hint of sweetness when caramelized.
1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds color, crunch, and a bit of freshness.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Sweet and vibrant, balancing spice and richness.
4 large garlic cloves, minced: Essential aromatic that elevates the whole dish.
1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste: Amplifies all the flavors and seasoning elements.
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and complexity.
1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and earthiness.
1 (15.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Holds shape well and deepens texture.
1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Soft texture and mild flavor round out the trio.
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and body for the chili’s rich sauce.
1 (19-ounce) can mild red enchilada sauce: Brings smoky, lightly spiced tomato flavor that’s unique and tasty.
½ cup mild chili powder: The soul of any chili—adds warmth and color.
2 teaspoons ground cumin: Earthy and nutty notes complement the beef and pork beautifully.
2 bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal aroma throughout the simmer.
2 tablespoons sugar: Balances acidity and deepens layers of flavor.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a little kick, this heats things up just right.
2 teaspoons Tapatio hot sauce (optional): Adds bright, tangy spice to personalize the heat level.

How to Make Award-Winning Hearty Beef and Pork Chili with Three Beans and Spices Recipe

Step 1: Browning the Meat and Sofritto

Start by heating a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and pork along with diced onion, green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, sea salt, and pepper. Stir frequently and break the meat up with a wooden spoon as it browns thoroughly, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step caramelizes the meat and softens the vegetables, laying down the deeply savory foundation this chili needs.

Step 2: Combining Beans and Sauces

Once the meats have that perfect golden crust, it’s time to add the star elements—black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, and enchilada sauce. These ingredients bring body, richness, and a wonderful creaminess that balances the meaty flavors while contributing vibrant color and texture.

Step 3: Spicing It Up

Add the chili powder, cumin, bay leaves, sugar, and if you’re daring, cayenne pepper and hot sauce. These spices transform this dish from a simple stew into a bold, exciting meal packed with layers of flavor. Stir everything together to combine evenly.

Step 4: Simmering to Perfection

Pour in just enough water to cover the beans—usually about 1 to 2 cups—then bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for at least 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, but for the very best flavor, simmer for 8 hours if you have the time. This long simmer allows flavors to meld, the meat to tenderize, and the sauce to thicken to luscious perfection.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving

Before serving, taste and adjust salt as needed. Remove the bay leaves. Divide your chili into bowls, and get ready to top it off with your favorite garnishes for the full experience.

How to Serve Award-Winning Hearty Beef and Pork Chili with Three Beans and Spices Recipe

A black pot on a white marbled surface holds many layers of ingredients arranged separately. Starting from the top left side, there are light brown beans, next to them are pale brown beans, below those are red tomato pieces with a chunky texture. In the bottom left section, there are shiny black beans beside a white powder of salt. In the center, there are two bay leaves laying on top of a layer of brown and reddish spices, creating a warm, earthy color palette. A woman's hand pours a thick, reddish sauce into the bottom part of the pot. The pot is round, with two side handles marked

Garnishes

Some of the best parts about this chili come from the toppings you add. Chopped fresh cilantro and green onions bring brightness and color contrast, while a dollop of sour cream adds cooling creaminess against the chili heat. Grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese melting on top provides richness, and creamy avocado slices lend a buttery texture that complements every bite beautifully.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread, which soaks up all the delicious juices. For something light, a crisp simple salad balances the richness. Or serve alongside fluffy white rice or tortilla chips for scooping up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this chili in hollowed-out bread bowls or baked potatoes for a filling meal. You could also use it as a topping for nachos or loaded baked fries, turning this classic into an exciting crowd-pleaser perfect for game days or casual parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to marry. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring it back to life.

Freezing

This Award-Winning Hearty Beef and Pork Chili with Three Beans and Spices Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the chili seems too thick after storage, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while reheating. Microwave reheating works well too—just heat in short intervals and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! To keep the hearty texture, swap the ground beef and pork for plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans and vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Adjust the spices as you like, and you’ll still get that comforting warmth and richness.

Is it possible to use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes. If using dried beans, make sure to soak them overnight and cook them thoroughly before adding to the chili. This helps prevent overly long cooking times and ensures they are tender. You might also need to adjust the liquid quantities since canned beans add moisture.

How spicy is this Award-Winning Hearty Beef and Pork Chili with Three Beans and Spices Recipe?

The base recipe is mild and family-friendly, but with the optional cayenne pepper and Tapatio hot sauce, you can easily tailor the heat level to your taste. For a completely mild version, simply omit those spicy additions.

Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker?

Definitely! After browning your meats and softening the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker, add the beans, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, spices, and liquids, then cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4. It’s a hands-off way to develop those amazing deep flavors.

What’s the best way to thicken the chili if it’s too watery?

If your chili ends up thinner than you’d like, simmer it uncovered on the stove to reduce liquid. Another quick fix is to stir in a bit of masa harina or cornmeal—this also adds a nice subtle corn flavor that complements the chili spices.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like settling in with a warm bowl of this Award-Winning Hearty Beef and Pork Chili with Three Beans and Spices Recipe to brighten any day and bring people together. It’s a perfect marriage of comfort food and bold flavors, with plenty of room for your personal touch. I can’t wait for you to taste it and see just how this recipe can become a beloved classic in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.