Best Iowa State Fair Chili Recipe With Ground Beef
This hearty Iowa State Fair Chili Recipe is packed with rich flavor from ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of warm spices. Perfect for a chilly night or feeding a hungry crowd at your next dinner party.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 1 hr
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 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
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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!
- 4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. Bring to a light boil.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.