Best Iowa State Fair Chili Recipe With Ground Beef
Make this Iowa State Fair Chili Recipe at home with bold spices, beef, and beans. A hearty, sweet-spicy dish perfect for cozy nights or dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 for best flavor
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (optional for variation)
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness
- 1 cup beef broth or water for desired consistency
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional for a spicier kick
Instructions
Step 1: Brown The Beef
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed, but leave a bit for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté The Onion And Garlic
- Push the beef to the sides of the pot. Add diced onion to the center and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Add The Spices
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for 1–2 minutes so the spices bloom in the beef fat. You’ll smell that classic chili flavor come alive here!
Step 4: Add Tomatoes And Beans
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. Bring to a light boil.
Step 5: Simmer Low And Slow
- Reduce the heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor gets.
Step 6: Taste And Adjust
- Taste for seasoning. Add more salt, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of sugar if needed. I usually like a small splash of hot sauce to balance the sweetness.