Championship Chili Recipe–Puppy’s Breath Chili

chefs-mate chefs-mate 0 Comments
Difficulty: Intermediate
Jump To Recipe Print Recipe
0 Add to Favorites
A fiery, award-winning Texas-style meat chili with deep, layered heat from multiple dried chilies.
Championship Chili Recipe–Puppy’s Breath Chili recipe image
Recipe tools
Use print to print the article or save it as a PDF. “Save article” downloads a clean HTML copy for offline reading.

This legendary chili, known as “Puppy’s Breath” for its intense kick, won first place at the 1993 World Championship. It features coarse-cut beef simmered in a rich broth of cumin, oregano, and a complex blend of Gebhardt, New Mexico, and California chili powders. The texture is hearty and rustic, while the flavor profile balances savory beef with a slow-building, smoky heat. Perfect for cozy winter nights or competitive chili cook-offs where bold, authentic flavors take center stage.

Championship Chili Recipe–Puppy’s Breath Chili recipe image
Print Recipe
0 Add to Favorites

Championship Chili Recipe–Puppy’s Breath Chili

Author: chefs-mate Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate

Description

This legendary chili, known as "Puppy's Breath" for its intense kick, won first place at the 1993 World Championship. It features coarse-cut beef simmered in a rich broth of cumin, oregano, and a complex blend of Gebhardt, New Mexico, and California chili powders. The texture is hearty and rustic, while the flavor profile balances savory beef with a slow-building, smoky heat. Perfect for cozy winter nights or competitive chili cook-offs where bold, authentic flavors take center stage.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Brown meat in oil for about 30 minutes over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and enough beef broth to cover meat. Bring to boil and cook for 15 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to light boil and add half of the garlic. Add half of the chili powder, and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Add tomato sauce and pulp from the dried peppers and remaining garlic. Add any remaining beef broth and chicken broth for desired consistency.
  5. Cook for one hour on medium heat stirring occasionally.
  6. Add remaining chili powders and cumin. Simmer for 25 minutes on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  7. Turn up heat to light boil and add Tabasco pepper sauce, salt to taste, brown sugar and juice of lime. Simmer on medium heat.

Note

Original recipe includes a dash of MSG and salt to taste; adjust seasoning according to preference.

Ensure dried chilies are rehydrated and pureed before adding to achieve the proper consistency and flavor extraction.

For best results, use high-quality chili powders like Gebhardt for authentic Texas flavor.

Keywords: chili, puppy's breath, texas chili, spicy chili, beef chili, championship recipe, dried chilies, gebhardt chili powder, slow cooked, comfort food, meat only, spicy beef, winter warmer, cumin, garlic, onion, tomato sauce, tabasco, lime juice, award winning
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious

Leave a Comment