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 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.

Which president liked chili? ›

Barack Obama: Chili

He is very fond of chili, though, and in an interview with North Coast Journal, he revealed that he still uses a favorite recipe that dates back to his college days.

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

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.

How do you add depth to chili? ›

Not just for stir fries, a few dashes of soy sauce enhances the umami savorof your chili, and is good for adding some meaty depth to veggie chilis too. Liquid aminos can do the same. You might even try miso in small doses.

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.

What was JFK's favorite food? ›

President Kennedy was particularly fond of soup--New England Fish Chowder was a favorite. He has been described as a "soup, sandwich and fruit" man for lunch--always soup though.

What is the chili capital of the United States? ›

However, New Mexico thinks otherwise. It's newest license plate proclaims this as truth and features big red and green chili peppers next to the identity number of the plate and the slogan: New Mexico, Chili Capital of the World. It's true, New Mexico was once a part of Mexico and before that New Spain.

Did cowboys eat chili? ›

Suppression only fueled this fire and in the 1800's chili was a staple food for cowboys, ruffians, and Adventurers on the Western Frontier. It was even served up in jails. Originally made of dried beef, fat and spices carried in saddlebags, then reconstituted over campfires. It was cheap and hearty and filling.

What does cinnamon do to chili? ›

Much like adding chili powder and other common chili spices, cinnamon is a super versatile spice that adds warmth without the heat to Firecracker chili.

Is chili better the longer it cooks? ›

Not Cooking It Long Enough

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili.

Do you cook onions or meat first for chili? ›

In a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil and add the onions, garlic, and red pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the beef and increase the heat to high.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Traditionally, we expect a robust, spicy base, meat and/or beans, perhaps some bonus veggies, and a thick, rich consistency. Unlike soups, which are brothy, or even bisques, which are creamy yet thinner, chili is meant to be more stew-like; it's a definite stick-to-your-ribs creation.

Why would you add vinegar to 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.

What are the best beans for 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 its distinct flavor? ›

Cumin gives the chili it's distinctive aroma and contributes a good deal to its taste. Try pan-roasting a teaspoon or two of whole cumin seeds and tossing them into the chili pot.

What ingredient will change your chili forever? ›

According to The Kitchn, that ingredient is cocoa powder. You may associate chocolate with dessert, but rest assured, adding cocoa powder won't make your chili sickeningly sweet. Instead, it'll contribute a layer of richness and balance out the spiciness.

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.

What does adding sugar to chili do? ›

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.

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