Al'S Wondermous Chili
Al'S Wondermous Chili offers a hearty, flavorful blend of ground beef, tomatoes, spices, and beans, perfect for comforting gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 celery stalk, chopped ⓘ
- 4 to 5 minced garlic cloves ⓘ
- 15 oz. can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 10 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 small can green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 4 heaping Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 to 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic to the beef; cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, drained green chilies, cumin, chili powder, oregano, bay leaves, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add drained kidney beans, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of beer or a tablespoon of cocoa powder. If you're short on time, use pre-chopped vegetables or even frozen mixed veggies. You can replace ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, or add diced jalapeños for extra spice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Al's Wondermous Chili with warm cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with red onion and shredded cheese on top. Consider offering a side of tortilla chips for crunch or a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast. This chili is also great for game day gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months, ensuring it's in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Al'S Wondermous Chili contains roughly 520 calories, with 17g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value), and calcium (122% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1964mg per serving (85% 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! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, slow-cooked flavor.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time as needed, but the overall flavor will remain delicious.
How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili is too thin, try simmering it uncovered for a bit longer to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the chili, cooking for a few more minutes until thickened.
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).