Avis' Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with beef, beans, and vegetables, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings and suitable for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a large pot.
- Cook the chopped onion and celery ribs until tender.
- Combine the cooked vegetables with the pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili seasoning, Hormel chili (no beans), kidney beans, sugar, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Simmer the mixture until flavors meld and it thickens, about 60 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you're short on time, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of pureed. Adjust the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or additional chili powder to your taste. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer a bit longer and leave the lid off.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Whatever Salad for a fresh contrast. For added richness, top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in a covered dish in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Avis' Chili contains roughly 1133 calories, with 61g protein, 193g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (229% of the Daily Value), protein (122% of the Daily Value), and iron (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1119mg per serving (49% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the hamburger with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of meat stock and add more beans for texture and heartiness.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If it's too spicy, balance it with a bit more sugar or serve with sour cream to cool it down.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the hamburger and cook the onion and celery 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.
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).