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Cheat Code Chili

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There’s a moment every gamer’s parent dreams of: the sound of a controller being set down mid-game. No nagging, no begging—just pure, undeniable surrender to the promise of something better. That’s the power of this chili.

I call it Cheat Code Chili because it does what feels impossible: it gets my boys to pause their games. And the secret? Blooming the spices.

The moment those seasonings hit the hot pan and release their aroma, the whole house transforms. It’s not just dinner cooking; it’s a signal that something epic is about to happen. You can almost hear the footsteps as they wander into the kitchen, pretending they’re not interested. But we all know the truth. The combination of warm cumin, smoky paprika, and earthy chili powder is basically kryptonite for even the most focused gamer.

They’ll say, “What’s that smell?” as if they don’t already know. And before you can answer, the headset’s off, the controller’s down, and they’re hovering over the stove, trying to sneak a taste. That’s why this chili isn’t just food; it’s my secret weapon, my cheat code to family time.

No matter how intense the game or how close they are to leveling up, this chili wins every time.

Cheat Code Chili
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Cheat Code Chili

Recipe by Camille
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

45

minutes

This 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.

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)

  • Canned Goods:

  • 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)

  • Seasonings:

  • 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

  • Broth:

  • 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.
  • 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.

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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