Joanna Gaines Chili Recipe

When the weather turns cold and you need comfort food that warms both body and soul, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Joanna Gaines chili. This copycat Joanna Gaines chili recipe has become legendary among fans of the Magnolia brand for good reason-it’s deeply flavorful, incredibly hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

The Gaines family chili recipe combines ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, and a secret blend of seasonings including unsweetened cacao powder and dark beer that creates layers of complex, rich flavor.

Whether you’re hosting game day, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving the best hearty chili recipe for cold weather, this homemade chili recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Let’s learn how to make Joanna Gaines chili step by step!

What is Joanna Gaines Chili and How Does It Taste?

Joanna Gaines chili, also known as Magnolia chili, is a robust, family-style chili recipe that originated from the Gaines family kitchen in Waco, Texas. This best chili recipe is characterized by its thick, meaty texture loaded with ground beef and Italian sausage, punctuated by tender kidney beans and aromatic vegetables.

The flavor profile is deeply savory with layers of smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and rich chili powder, enhanced by unexpected ingredients like dark beer and unsweetened cacao powder that add depth without sweetness. The taste is bold and satisfying-slightly spicy with a subtle heat that builds, perfectly balanced with umami richness from beef bouillon and beefy onion soup mix.

Unlike thinner, soup-like chilis, this Gaines family chili has a thick, stew-like consistency that clings to every spoonful. Each bite delivers tender meat, creamy beans, and a complex sauce that’s both comforting and sophisticated-truly the ultimate slow cooker chili recipe with beans adapted for stovetop perfection.

Joanna Gaines Chili Recipe Ingredients

Vegetables:

• 2 medium green bell peppers (yields about 1½ cups finely diced)
• 1 medium sweet onion (1 cup finely diced)
• 6–7 small garlic cloves (or 4–5 regular cloves, minced)

Meat:

• 3 pounds ground beef (lean preferred)
• 5 spicy Italian sausages (casings removed)

Seasonings & Spices:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons high-quality chili powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ tablespoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Lawry’s seasoned salt
• ½–1 tablespoon unsweetened Hershey’s cacao powder
• 1–2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)

Liquids & Other:

• 1 packet (1 oz) Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base
• 1 full 12 oz can dark beer (Modelo, Guinness, or similar)
• 1 full 28 oz can tomato puree
• ½ cup water
• 2 × 16 oz cans light red kidney beans (rinsed thoroughly)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Corn chips (for Joanna Gaines chili recipe with corn chips topping)

Kitchen Utensils Needed

1. Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (6-8 quart capacity)
2. Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
3. Sharp knife and cutting board
4. Can opener
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Colander for rinsing beans
7. Ladle for serving

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2½–3½ hours

Total Time: 3–4 hours

Servings: 10-12 generous bowls

Copycat Joanna Gaines Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Begin by preparing your aromatic vegetable base. Finely mince or dice 2 medium green bell peppers until you have approximately 1½ cups. Dice 1 medium sweet onion to yield about 1 cup. Mince 6–7 small garlic cloves (or 4–5 regular-sized cloves) and keep them separate from the other vegetables-garlic will be added later to prevent burning. Proper prep work ensures even cooking and optimal flavor distribution in your Joanna Gaines family style chili recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat your large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ¼ cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter, allowing them to melt together and become fragrant. Once the butter foam subsides and the fats shimmer, add your diced onion and green bell peppers. Sauté for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and “sweat”-releasing their moisture and becoming translucent. This creates the aromatic foundation for your Magnolia chili recipe. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, which would create bitterness.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Add approximately 3 pounds of ground beef and 5 spicy Italian sausages (with casings removed) to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Using a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula, thoroughly break up the meat into small, even crumbles. Cook for 8–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining. Since lean beef is used, you shouldn’t have excessive fat, but if pooling occurs, you can skim it off. The Italian sausage adds a phenomenal depth of flavor and spice that makes this Gaines family chili stand out from ordinary chili recipes.

Step 4: Add the Dry Seasonings

Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon onion powder, ½ tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ tablespoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons Lawry’s seasoned salt. Stir thoroughly to coat all the meat evenly with these aromatic spices. This layering technique ensures every bite of your homemade chili recipe is deeply seasoned and flavorful.

Step 5: Add Chili Powder

Incorporate 6 tablespoons of high-quality chili powder into the meat mixture. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes to “bloom” the spices-this heating process releases essential oils and intensifies the chili flavor, creating that signature best chili recipe taste. Don’t skip this step; it makes a significant difference in flavor depth.

Step 6: Incorporate Flavor Builders

Add the 1-ounce packet of Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix, 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base, and ½–1 tablespoon unsweetened Hershey’s cacao powder. Stir thoroughly until these concentrated flavor pastes and powders completely coat the meat. The cacao powder is the secret ingredient that adds incredible richness and depth without any chocolate flavor-it enhances the savory notes and creates complexity in your copycat Joanna Gaines chili recipe.

Step 7: Add Liquids & Tomato Base

Pour in the entire 28-ounce can of tomato puree, ½ cup water, and a full 12-ounce can of dark beer (Modelo, Guinness, or similar dark beer works beautifully). Stir everything together until thoroughly combined. The mixture will appear quite liquidy at this stage-don’t worry, this is completely normal. The long simmer time will reduce and thicken the chili to perfection. The dark beer adds malty sweetness and depth that makes this Magnolia chili exceptional.

Step 8: Add Beans

Drain both 16-ounce cans of light red kidney beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water-this removes excess starch and prevents the chili from becoming gummy. Gently fold the beans into the pot, being careful not to break them up too much. The beans will absorb the flavorful sauce as they simmer.

Step 9: Simmer the Chili

Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then immediately reduce to low. Cover the pot but leave a small crack or vent for steam to escape-this allows reduction while preventing scorching. Simmer for 1½ hours, stirring every 15–20 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. After 1½ hours, taste your Joanna Gaines chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Add crushed red pepper flakes gradually-start with 1 teaspoon, taste, and add more if you desire extra heat. Continue simmering for a total of 2½–3½ hours on low heat, stirring periodically, until the liquid reduces to a thick, rich, hearty consistency that’s neither soupy nor dry. This slow simmer is what transforms good chili into the best hearty chili recipe for cold weather.

Step 10: Serve

After the full simmer time, taste one final time and make any last-minute seasoning adjustments. Ladle the hot Gaines family chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes-shredded cheddar cheese, dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or the classic Joanna Gaines chili recipe with corn chips topping. This versatile chili is perfect served on its own, spooned over hot dogs for chili dogs, loaded onto fries for chili cheese fries, piled on nachos, or paired with warm, buttery cornbread.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Classic Corn Chip Topped Chili Bowl

For the authentic Joanna Gaines chili recipe with corn chips topping experience, ladle your hot chili into bowls and generously top with crushed Fritos corn chips or tortilla chips. Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and diced white onions. The corn chips add an incredible crunch and slightly sweet corn flavor that perfectly complements the savory, spicy chili. This is comfort food at its finest and how the Gaines family often serves their chili.

2. Chili Cheese Fries Supreme

Transform your Magnolia chili into an indulgent appetizer or main course by pouring it over a bed of crispy French fries or waffle fries. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), allowing it to melt from the heat of the chili. Add sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped scallions, and bacon bits for the ultimate loaded fries experience. This is perfect for game day gatherings or casual weekend meals.

3. Hearty Chili Mac

Combine your best chili recipe with cooked elbow macaroni or shell pasta for a satisfying twist on mac and cheese. Stir 2–3 cups of cooked pasta directly into the chili pot, or serve the chili over individual portions of pasta. Top with extra shredded cheese and let it melt. This stretches the recipe even further and creates a one-pot meal kids and adults alike will devour.

4. Stuffed Baked Potato Bar

Bake large russet potatoes until fluffy inside, then split them open and load with generous ladles of Joanna Gaines family style chili recipe. Create a topping bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and butter. The creamy potato interior provides the perfect contrast to the robust, meaty chili, creating a complete, filling meal that’s ideal for chilly evenings.

5. Southwest Chili Burrito Bowls

Serve your homemade chili recipe over a base of cilantro-lime rice or Mexican rice. Add black beans, roasted corn, diced avocado, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Top with crushed tortilla chips, queso fresco, and a drizzle of chipotle crema. This transforms the chili into a fresh, southwestern-inspired bowl that’s both hearty and vibrant.

6. Cornbread Chili Casserole

Pour your Gaines family chili into a large baking dish and top with a layer of cornbread batter (use your favorite recipe or a mix). Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until the cornbread is golden and cooked through. The sweet cornbread topping soaks up the flavorful chili juices and provides textural contrast. Serve with a simple green salad for a complete comfort meal.

7. Chili Dog Bar for Crowds

Set up a chili dog station using quality all-beef hot dogs nestled in toasted buns. Provide bowls of warm copycat Joanna Gaines chili recipe alongside toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, mustard, and relish. This casual serving style is perfect for parties, tailgating, or feeding a hungry crowd. The chili’s thick consistency stays on the dogs without making the buns soggy.

Essential Tips for Perfect Joanna Gaines Chili

1. Use Quality Chili Powder

The foundation of any great best chili recipe is high-quality chili powder. Not all chili powders are created equal-some are pure ground chiles while others are spice blends. For this Magnolia chili recipe, choose a robust chili powder with good color and fresh aroma. If your chili powder has been sitting in the pantry for over a year, replace it for maximum flavor impact. The 6 tablespoons called for in this recipe create the characteristic deep red color and complex chile flavor.

2. Don’t Skip the Cacao Powder

The unsweetened cacao powder might seem like an odd addition, but it’s absolutely essential to achieving the authentic Joanna Gaines chili flavor. Use only unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder-never sweetened chocolate or hot cocoa mix. The cacao adds earthy depth, enhances the meat’s savory notes, and creates a richer, more complex flavor profile without adding any chocolate taste. Start with ½ tablespoon and increase to 1 tablespoon if you love deep, complex flavors.

3. Choose the Right Beer

The dark beer in this Gaines family chili recipe isn’t just for show-it adds malty sweetness, depth, and helps tenderize the meat during the long simmer. Modelo Negra, Guinness, or any quality dark lager or stout works beautifully. The alcohol cooks off completely, leaving only rich flavor behind. If you prefer not to use beer, substitute with an additional 1–1½ cups of beef broth, though you’ll lose some complexity.

4. Patience with the Simmer

The magic of this best hearty chili recipe for cold weather happens during the long, slow simmer. Resist the urge to rush this step or increase the heat for faster cooking. The 2½–3½ hour simmer time allows flavors to meld, meat to become tender, and the sauce to reduce to that perfect thick, clingy consistency. Stir every 15–20 minutes to prevent scorching on the bottom, but otherwise let the pot work its magic undisturbed.

5. Customize Heat to Your Preference

This homemade chili recipe is moderately spicy thanks to the Italian sausage and crushed red pepper flakes, but heat tolerance varies widely. Start conservatively with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes after the initial 1½ hours of simmering, taste, and add more gradually. Remember that spiciness intensifies as chili sits, so what tastes mildly spicy when freshly made might be spicier the next day. For a milder version, use mild Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes entirely.

6. Brown Meat Properly

Taking time to thoroughly brown the ground beef and Italian sausage develops crucial flavor through the Maillard reaction-the chemical process that creates rich, savory browning. Don’t crowd the pot; if necessary, brown the meat in two batches. Break it into small, even pieces and resist stirring constantly-let it develop a nice brown crust before breaking it up. This step creates depth that elevates your copycat Joanna Gaines chili recipe from good to exceptional.

7. Make It a Day Ahead

Like most slow cooker chili recipe with beans variations, this stovetop version tastes even better the next day. The overnight rest allows all the spices, meat, beans, and vegetables to marry together, creating a more harmonious, deeply flavorful dish. Make your Joanna Gaines family style chili recipe a day before serving, refrigerate overnight, then gently reheat on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating as the chili thickens further when chilled.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover Joanna Gaines chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or beef broth if needed to restore consistency. Microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Common Queries and FAQs

Q: Can I make this Joanna Gaines chili recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! This Magnolia chili adapts beautifully to slow cooker preparation. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables in a skillet first (steps 2-4), then transfer everything to your slow cooker along with remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This makes it truly a slow cooker chili recipe with beans perfect for set-it-and-forget-it cooking.

Q: What makes this the best chili recipe compared to others?

A: This best chili recipe stands out because of its layered flavor-building technique-from blooming spices to using multiple umami boosters like beef bouillon, beefy onion soup mix, and dark beer. The combination of ground beef and spicy Italian sausage provides superior texture and taste compared to single-meat recipes. The unsweetened cacao powder adds unexpected depth that most chili recipes lack.

Q: Can I substitute the meat for a healthier version?

A: Yes! Replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter homemade chili recipe. You can also use turkey sausage instead of pork Italian sausage. Keep in mind that poultry has less fat, so your chili may be slightly less rich-consider adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil and perhaps an extra tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon for depth.

Q: How do I make Joanna Gaines chili step by step without the beans?

A: For a bean-free copycat Joanna Gaines chili recipe, simply omit the kidney beans and increase the meat slightly (add another pound of ground beef or a few more sausages). You may also want to reduce the liquid slightly-use just ¼ cup water instead of ½ cup. The cooking time and all other steps remain the same.

Q: What’s the best way to serve Joanna Gaines chili recipe with corn chips topping?

A: For the classic Joanna Gaines chili recipe with corn chips topping, ladle hot chili into bowls and immediately top with a generous handful of Fritos or crushed tortilla chips while the chili is steaming hot. Add shredded cheese on top so it melts from the residual heat, then finish with sour cream and any other desired toppings. The chips stay crunchy for about 5-10 minutes before softening.

Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?

A: To increase heat in your Gaines family chili, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild/medium, increase crushed red pepper flakes to 2-3 teaspoons, add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers with the bell peppers, or stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce. You can also use a spicier chili powder blend. Add heat gradually and taste as you go.

Q: Why is my chili too thin/watery?

A: If your Magnolia chili recipe seems too thin, continue simmering uncovered for an additional 30-60 minutes to allow more liquid to evaporate. Make sure you’re simmering at a gentle bubble-too low heat won’t reduce the liquid effectively. You can also mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release their starches, which naturally thickens the chili.

Q: What can I substitute for dark beer?

A: If you prefer not to use alcohol in your best hearty chili recipe for cold weather, substitute the 12-ounce beer with 1–1½ cups of beef broth or stock. For added depth, include 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to mimic the complexity and slight acidity that beer provides.

Q: How can I reduce the sodium in this recipe?

A: To lower sodium in this homemade chili recipe, use low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of the tomato puree, kidney beans, and beef broth. Replace the Lawry’s seasoned salt with regular kosher salt (start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste), and use low-sodium Better Than Bouillon. You may also omit the Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix and compensate with additional herbs and spices.

This Joanna Gaines chili recipe truly lives up to its reputation as one of the best chili recipes you’ll ever make. The combination of tender ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and that secret blend of seasonings including cacao powder and dark beer creates a Gaines family chili that’s absolutely unforgettable.

Whether you’re making this copycat Joanna Gaines chili recipe for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for busy weeknights, or feeding a crowd at your next gathering, this Magnolia chili delivers maximum flavor with every spoonful. Now that you know how to make Joanna Gaines chili step by step, you have the ultimate best hearty chili recipe for cold weather in your cooking arsenal. Fire up that pot, let it simmer low and slow, and prepare to enjoy the most satisfying, soul-warming bowl of homemade chili you’ve ever tasted!

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