Aunt Clara'S Homemade Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put ground beef into a pan and brown it. Drain off excess fat.
- Add all remaining ingredients: bell peppers, pintos, onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomatoes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. You can also substitute the bell peppers with jalapeños for a spicier kick. If you're short on time, canned beans and diced tomatoes can replace the quart of pintos and tomatoes, respectively. To enhance the taste, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Clara's Homemade Chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it over baked potatoes or as a filling for tacos. A side of Gwen'S Meat Balls can also complement the meal.
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 low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Clara'S Homemade Chili contains roughly 1454 calories, with 41g protein, 257g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (366% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1374mg per serving (60% 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 use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in this chili recipe. Just keep in mind that poultry has a different flavor and may require additional spices to achieve the desired taste. Cooking time may also be slightly reduced, so monitor closely.
What can I do if my chili is too thick?
If your chili turns out too thick, add a little bit of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir it in gradually until the chili loosens up. Be cautious not to add too much at once, as it might dilute the flavors.
How can I make my chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Aunt Clara's Homemade Chili, replace the ground beef with a mix of beans, like black beans and kidney beans. You can also add lentils for extra protein. Use vegetable broth instead of meat broth, and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
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).