Kim Myers’, JAG REALTOR®, Award-Winning Chili ‘Plan’

Chili Cook off team picture

The JAG Team

Kim Myers isn’t just an outstanding agent with The Jim Allen Group. She’s also an award-winning cook, four times over. Kim placed first in the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County Chili Cook-Off — once again — and we’re thrilled to share her secret chili recipe for the first time ever.

If you’re looking for a delicious new chili recipe to try for your next tailgate or potluck, put this one at the top of your list.

Kim’s (second from right) chili recipe (or “plan” as she calls it) won a 1st place award from the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County.

Kim shared the following:

Please keep in mind I cook by taste — no measuring. I start this on the stove and finish in a crockpot. But I play to win, and this is my 4th win with this “plan.” It can be altered for ease and heat level. I use dried beans (a pre-packaged 15-bean soup package), but feel free to use canned if you’re not that dedicated. The smaller lentils, etc., will cook down and thicken the chili. This plan is for a full, large, oval, crockpot but can certainly be cut in half if you’re not committed and just using canned beans. If you’re using the 15-bean dried package, they will need to be soaked overnight according to directions. Don’t forget to save the smoked ham seasoning — you’ll use it later.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the beans

If you use canned beans, skip this section and move to the next step. 

To use dried beans:

  • Soaked 15-bean soup package PLUS 1-15 oz. can light red kidney beans (you’ll add the extra kidney beans toward the end, so sit them aside)

To use canned beans:

  • 2 15 oz. cans light red kidney beans
  • 1 15 oz. can Northern beans
  • 1 15 oz. can pinto beans 
I think the beans are the real secret, so choose wisely! Kim Myers

Step 2: Make the broth

3-4 ham hocks (you can substitute two to three boxes of beef broth if you must)

Simmer the ham hacks in enough water to cover them completely and a little more, for about 1-1/2 hours. This is your broth. If you’d rather substitute beef broth here’s your chance.

Step 3: Cook the dried beans

If you’re using the soaked dried beans, you will now simmer them in the ham stock or beef broth until tender. Skip this step if you’re using canned beans.

With the event taking place just a week before Halloween, Kim added a spooky twist by serving her hot chili in mini cauldrons.

Step 4: Add ingredients to a crock pot

Once the beans are tender, add the beans and broth (dried beans with ham stock or canned beans with beef broth) to the crockpot. If you’re using canned, drain just the top 1” or so of the liquid and without rinsing, add them to the crockpot.

Add the following:

  • 2 30-oz. cans puréed tomatoes (I hate chunky tomatoes, but feel free to use diced instead if you’re into that texture)
  • 1-lb. ground Italian sausage lightly browned (I use mild but if you want that hot bite, use the hot!) 
  • 1-lb. ground beef lightly browned (I use black Angus 90/10, so not high in fat, and just FYI, I sell it from the 1/2 Black Angus steer we get from our cousin in Ohio)
  • 1-lb. thinly sliced beef kielbasa 
  • 1 large green pepper, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cans green chilis (you can choose hot or mild, but I do half-and-half)
  • 1/2 jar jalapeños, finely chopped (or more if you like it hotter)
  • 3-4 Anaheim peppers, chopped (not really important but I like to confuse people with the “4” different peppers thing.
  • If you like HOT, you can substitute 3-4 yellow banana peppers, but they are really hot!  
  • 2-ish Tbsp. chili powder 
  • 1-ish Tbsp. ground cumin 
  • 2 packages Tex Mex chili seasoning 
  • Salt — or not! It’s whatever you want. Remember, if you’re using ham hocks, they’re salty. 
  • Don’t forget to add that extra can of light kidney beans if you used the dried beans.
Too thick? Add broth. Too thin? You should have used the 15 beans! Kim Myers

Step 5: Let the chili cook.

Cook for 10 hours on low, or 5-6 hours on high. Did you use dried beans? Don’t forget to sprinkle on that little packet of smoked ham flavor you saved. 

That’s my secret! Good luck!

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