Hot Sauce Fest ATL presents a spicy way to celebrate National Chili Day with our Super Secret Chili Recipe. This national day always falls on the third Thursday of February, and this year it is February 27th. There are so many kinds of chili! It seems like every region has their own secret ingredient. Download your recipe card at the bottom of the page! You can watch us make it on IG! Follow this link.
Here's what makes our chili really special:
Chile-infused Beer (e.g. “Don’t be Afraid” by Fonta Flora)-- for depth, richness, and spice
Chile-infused chocolate-- for a smoothness and depth
A blend of beef AND lamb-- for extra bold flavor
A powerhouse of spices, including Brewer’s Fire Coffee Chipotle Rub
NO KIDNEY BEANS-- they're just too hard-- we used pinto and great northern beans
A badass hot sauce pairing to customize your bowl of chili.
Interesting fact: Chili is the state dish of Texas! Want to find out why Texas chili doesn't have any beans? Stay tuned!
Recipe Spotlight: Super Secret Spicy Chili Recipe
To make your own, you'll need:
Ground Beef (1 lb)
Ground Lamb (1 lb)
Moreish chili crisp OR (2 tsp) butter
1 White Onion (diced)
8 Jalapenos (diced)
Brewer’s Fire Coffee Chipotle Rub (1 Tbsp)
Chili Powder (2 Tbsp)
Aji Charapita Mash (1 Tbsp)
Ghost Pepper Salt (2 pinches)
Wine Salt (2 pinches)
Italian Seasoning (1 Tbsp)
Chile-infused Beer (e.g. “Don’t be Afraid” by Fonta Flora - 12 oz)
Diced Tomatoes x2 (1 can [with juice]- 10 oz)
Green Chilis (1 small can)
Maggi seasoning (1 tsp)
Pinto Beans (1 can [undrained]- 15.5 oz.)
Great Northern Beans (1 can [undrained]- 15.5 oz.)
Chili Base Bouillon (1 Tbsp)
Smoky Chipotle Bouillon (1 tsp)
Strained Tomatoes (12 oz)
Minced Garlic (2 tbsp - [about 6-8 cloves])
Nathan’s Homemade Peppers Sauce (or your favorite hot sauce) (1 tsp - 1 Tbsp)
Hot chile-infused dark chocolate (1 bar)
Habanero Cheddar Cheese (shredded) (for topping)
Additional Recommended Ingredients (not included in the video, but great options to add):
For the chili:
Tomato paste (2-3 Tbsp)
White Beans (pureed)
Stew Steak (chunked)
Brisket (chunked)
Calabrian Peppers (diced)
Habanero Peppers (diced)
Beef stock
For Topping:
Scallions (diced)
Green onion (sliced)
Sour Cream
Cilantro
Colby, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack (shredded)
Begin by melting a teaspoon of butter in a medium pot over medium-high heat. If you're looking for an extra flavor boost, swap the butter for a spoonful of Moreish Chili Crisp—it adds a deep, savory crunch that takes this chili to the next level.
Next, add 1 lb of ground beef and 1 lb of ground lamb to the pot. Cook until browned, which should take about 7 to 8 minutes. If you’re adding any extra meat to the mix, this is the perfect time to toss it in. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.
Once your meat is beautifully browned, it's time to bring in the aromatics. Add your diced jalapeños and one diced onion along with another teaspoon of butter (or chili crisp for extra depth). If you’re working with other fresh peppers, go ahead and add them at this step. Stir everything together and adjust the heat to medium to allow the flavors to meld.
Now for the magic—seasoning! Sprinkle in your dry spice blend:
Brewer’s Fire Coffee Chipotle Rub
Maggi Seasoning
Chili Powder
Ghost Pepper Salt
Wine Salt
Italian Seasoning
Cherapita Mash
Stir well to coat the meat evenly, then let it cook for about 8 minutes, allowing the seasonings to toast and intensify.
Time to deglaze! Pour in your chili beer—if you can’t find the exact one we used, simply substitute your favorite lager. This adds a depth of flavor that balances out the heat.
At the same time, pour in the juice from both cans of diced tomatoes and a small can of green chilies. Increase the heat slightly to medium-high, letting the liquid begin to absorb into the meat.
Now, add the remaining ingredients to build the body of your chili:
Maggi seasoning (for umami depth)
Two cans of diced tomatoes
Two cans of beans
Tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
Tomato sauce
Bouillon (adds another layer of meaty flavor)
Garlic (because no chili is complete without it)
Give everything a good stir to fully combine all the ingredients.
Pour in your favorite hot sauce to taste—this is where you can really dial in the heat to your liking. Then, for an unexpected but incredible twist, stir in chili-infused chocolate. This adds a subtle richness and balances out the spice with just a hint of sweetness.
Reduce the heat to low and let your chili simmer for at least one hour, or up to all day. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is melding together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the deeper and more complex the flavors become.
If your chili starts to thicken too much, simply add beef broth as needed to loosen it up.
Once your chili is rich, thick, and bursting with flavor, it’s time to serve! Add your favorite toppings and dig in.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to drizzle on an extra splash of your favorite hot sauce before serving. After all, the best chili always brings the heat!
Recommended Hot Sauce: Wildfire in Wonderland Cayenne & Jalapeno
Other recommended hot sauces:
Flavor Overview
Our chili recipe offered a delightful medley of flavors that surprised and satisfied our taste buds. Subtle hints of coffee and chocolate harmonized beautifully with the beer, creating a deep, rich experience. A perfect balance of heat and taste was achieved, and experimenting with various hot sauces elevated each bowl, offering a unique flavor explosion. The secret lay in the unusual ingredients, which masterfully came together to create a delectable texture and taste.
My first bowl featuring a combination of Atlanta Burns Jalapeno Business and Wildfire in Wonderland Cayenne & Jalapeno, showcased a delightful fusion of heat and spice. The jalapeño flavors shined through while the cayenne notes added balance, creating a satisfying, well-rounded experience.
I used Brewer's Fire Truffle Reaper Double IPA hot sauce in my chili the next day. (By the way, this is the hot sauce that won Dragonzorde's Finest Award at our 2024 Hot Sauce Fest.) I was met with an exhilaratingly spicy kick that truly elevated our chili. This craft hot sauce's depth of flavor, enhanced by the beer infusion, added complexity without overshadowing the dish. The truffle essence subtly complemented the heat, delivering a joyous flavor experience.
We loved how each hot sauce brought a unique twist to our chili. The Atlanta Burns Jalapeno Business and Wildfire in Wonderland Cayenne & Jalapeno duo emphasized the spiciness and showcased a perfect balance of jalapeño and cayenne. On the other hand, Brewer's Fire Truffle Reaper Double IPA amped up the heat while maintaining a depth of flavor. The ability to personalize the heat level made every bowl a memorable adventure.
I told you to stay tuned to find out the secret to why there are no beans in Texas Chili!!!! The answer is simple....
THE BEANS COME ON THE SIDE!
Happy National Chili Day y'all! Got a favorite chili trick or hot sauce pairing? Drop it in the comments below! Don't forget to check out our video reel on IG to watch us make it! @hotsaucefest.atl
Additional Resources: Printable Recipe Card, Guide to Chili Recipes
Curious about different regional chili styles? Check out this guide to chili recipes to explore even more variations and flavors.
Spicy Regards,
Dragonzorde
I’ve also heard of people putting a good stout in their chili... It makes sense that chocolate is a good secret ingredient!