Auntie Pat'S Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili combining ground meats, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or family dinners with a spicy kick and rich tomato flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 2 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 large cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 4 dashes Tabasco sauce
- 1 can beer ⓘ
- 2 cans red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 jar taco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté onions, green pepper, and garlic.
- Add ground pork and ground beef, cook until browned.
- Drain off excess fat, then return meat mixture to the pot.
- Add chili powder, Tabasco sauce, taco sauce, and cooked beef.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and tomato sauce, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the red kidney beans, then add to the pot.
- Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with grated cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Adjust the chili powder and Tabasco sauce to match your spice preference. For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer and reduce the liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Auntie Pat's Chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Topping each bowl with grated cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions adds a nice touch. This chili pairs beautifully with Fritos Bean Hot Dish for a delightful meal. Consider serving with a fresh garden salad for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Auntie Pat'S Chili contains roughly 408 calories, with 15g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), iron (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% 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 different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While red kidney beans are traditional, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a unique twist. Just remember to drain and rinse them before adding to the chili to keep the texture consistent.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or Tabasco sauce during cooking. You can also include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste as you go to find the perfect level of spiciness for your palate.
Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Yes! This chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before serving.
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).