Alfred'S Chili
A hearty, smoky chili loaded with bacon, ground beef, beans, and mushrooms, perfect for comforting gatherings and flavor-packed casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up bacon coarsely and slowly cook in a large kettle until tender.
- Chop onions and add to bacon, cooking until translucent.
- Add ground chuck and chili powder, cook and mix well.
- Add chopped mushrooms and cook briefly.
- Drain tomatoes and add them to the mixture.
- Add salt and red beans, stir well.
- Pour in tomato sauce and stir again.
- Cook on low heat for at least one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce. If you're short on time, you can substitute canned beans for dried ones; just reduce the cooking time. Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference, and feel free to add bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor. This chili pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread or over rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped green onions or shredded cheese for added flavor. It's perfect alongside a crusty bread or with a fresh salad, like Broccoli Salad III. For an extra kick, offer hot sauce on the side. This hearty dish is great for gatherings and can be easily doubled for larger crowds.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alfred'S Chili contains roughly 232 calories, with 21g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (297% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1295mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the bacon, onions, and ground chuck in a skillet first. Then transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of ground chuck?
If you prefer a leaner meat option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck. For a vegetarian option, try using textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as needed when using different proteins.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use a spicy chili powder. You can also top each serving with diced fresh chilies or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Taste as you go to find your preferred spice level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).