Bearden Chili
Bearden Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring ground beef, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato base, perfect for comforting gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 4 egg-sized onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 5 whole bay leaves ⓘ
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. whole allspice ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute beef and onion until the beef is no longer red.
- Drain excess fat from the beef mixture.
- Add all remaining ingredients as listed to the beef and onion mixture.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook for 3 hours.
- Stir frequently during the last hour to prevent sticking.
- Serve hot, optionally over spaghetti with grated cheese and chopped onion.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef and onions with some minced garlic. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of crushed red pepper or chili powder. To thicken the chili, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking. This dish pairs beautifully with Hamburger - Beans Corn Pone Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, ideally over a bed of spaghetti for a comforting meal. Top with grated cheese, chopped onions, or sour cream for added flavor. It also makes a great filling for burritos or as a hearty topping for baked potatoes. Pair with some cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bearden Chili contains roughly 936 calories, with 29g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (201% of the Daily Value), and calcium (126% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 545mg per serving (24% 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?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and onions in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, flavorful chili.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of beans such as kidney, black, and pinto beans. You can also add diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for extra texture and nutrients. Adjust the spices to taste.
What can I serve this chili with?
This chili is versatile and can be served with several sides. Consider pairing it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
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).