There’s a moment every gamer parent dreams of: the sound of a controller being set down without a single word.
In a house full of gamers, getting everyone to pause mid-match is no easy task. But when I say, “Chili’s ready,” the headphones come off, the chairs roll back, and the kitchen fills up—no hesitation. This recipe has earned the name Cheat Code Chili because it works like a shortcut to family time, every single time.
I’ve made chili a hundred ways, but this one? This is the one that hits every time. It’s bold, hearty, and layered with flavor. And the real secret? Toasting the spices. That step right there is the ultimate cheat code—one you don’t want to skip unless you absolutely must.
The Real Cheat Code in This Chili: Toast Your Spices
When you toast your seasonings in the pot it unlocks a deeper flavor that turns a quick chili into something crave-worthy. It’s one of those tiny steps that makes all the difference.
I named this dish during a weekend gaming marathon. We were all locked into our screens, but the moment the chili hit the stove, noses turned, chats paused, and footsteps headed toward the kitchen. Even the toddler knows it’s a big deal when the chili is on.
She even pretends to game herself—grabbing an unplugged controller and thinking she’s right there with the rest of us. So yes, this house is truly full of gamers. And this chili? It’s the one thing powerful enough to make all the “players” pause and head to the kitchen.
What Makes This The Best Chili Recipe
Lean Ground Beef
I use 80/20 or 85/15 for richness without excessive grease. Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles also work great.
Canned Beans
Pinto and kidney beans are my go-to. I use what’s on hand—this chili is flexible like that.
Crushed or Diced Tomatoes + Tomato Sauce
This combo creates a rich, velvety base. Add broth or water if you prefer a thinner chili.
Bold Seasonings
- Chili powder
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Salt & pepper
- A tiny pinch of sugar to balance acidity
- Optional: Chipotle powder for a smoky kick (skip if serving toddlers)
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I cook mine in my beloved Jamaican Dutch pot, but this enameled Dutch oven is a great alternative. For chopping garlic and onions, I love my ASETY chef knife—sharp, sturdy, and easy to clean.
The Perfect Side for Chili: Jazzed-Up Jiffy Cornbread
You already know the only thing better than a hot bowl of chili is something sweet and buttery to scoop it up with. My Jazzed-Up Jiffy Cornbread is the perfect match. It’s tender, moist, and just sweet enough to balance out the spice of the chili. Made with sour cream and a touch of honey, this cornbread is a chili night essential in my house.
Topping Ideas
I love a good chili bar! Set out these toppings so everyone can customize their bowl:
- Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced green onions or chives
- Avocado chunks
- Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days
- Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months
- It thickens as it sits and tastes even better the next day
Variations & Substitutions
- No beef? Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative
- Meatless? Try lentils or diced mushrooms
- No beans? Double the meat or add corn and chopped bell peppers
- Spice level: Control with the amount of chili powder and chipotle powder (optional!)
Looking for More Dishes That Bring Everyone to the Table?
This chili isn’t the only dish with main-character energy. If you’re looking for more comforting main courses that bring the whole crew together, check out my Main Course Recipes—from pot roast to pasta and more soul-soothing favorites.
Vegetable sides coming soon—stay tuned after Easter for even more comforting pairings!
Let’s Eat (and Pause the Game)
Whether you’re wrangling kids, conquering chaos, or trying to pull your teenagers out of their gaming chairs, this Cheat Code Chili might be the one dish that makes it happen. It’s comfort food with gamer-level draw power—and you don’t even have to unlock an achievement to make it.
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Cheat Code Chili
6
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesThis is no ordinary chili; it is my Cheat Code Chili. Packed with bold flavors, pantry-friendly ingredients, and the kind of richness that makes you forget the chaos of the day, this chili is the ultimate comfort meal and comes together beautifully in just 45 minutes.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced (or 1/2 tsp pre-chopped garlic)
1/2 bell pepper chopped (optional)
1 can 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes with diced chili peppers, drained (use regular diced tomatoes to reduce spice)
1/2 can 6 oz tomato paste (about 3 oz)
1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
1 can 15 oz chili beans in sauce (not rinsed)
1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity
1/2 tsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 beef bouillon cube or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon
1/2 cup beef broth or water plus more as needed
Directions
- Toast the Spices: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano directly to the dry pot. Toast the spices, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the spices from the pot and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In the same pot, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Saute the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using) to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Build the Chili Base: Stir in the toasted spices, Rotel diced tomatoes (or regular diced tomatoes if reducing spice), tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Mix well to coat everything in the flavors.
- Add the chili beans (with sauce), 1/2 cup of beef broth or water, soy sauce, cocoa powder, and the beef bouillon. Stir everything together until the bouillon is dissolved. For a thicker chili, stick with 1/2 cup. If you prefer a looser consistency, gradually add more broth as needed.
- Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chili gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency.
- Add Salt to taste
- Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips. Serve with cornbread or crackers for the ultimate cozy meal.
Camille’s Notes
- The cocoa powder and soy sauce bring depth, the Rotel (or regular diced tomatoes) adds a bright tomato base, and the chili beans in sauce save time while enhancing flavor.
- Allowing flexibility with the broth lets you customize the consistency to suit your family’s preferences, whether you love a thick, hearty chili or something a bit thinner.
- The soy sauce, bouillon, and chili beans already add saltiness, so it’s best to wait until the end to salt. Taste your chili once it’s done and add salt only if needed.
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