Bernie'S Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with vegetables, beans, and lean beef, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with bold flavors and satisfying warmth.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb lean hamburger ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 large carrots, chopped and diced fine ⓘ
- 2 large potatoes, chopped and diced fine ⓘ
- 1 large can red kidney beans with juice
- 2 small cans white beans, drained ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 0.25 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 0.5 tsp salt ⓘ
- 0.25 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato soup ⓘ
- 3 small cans tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the lean hamburger in a large skillet, then drain the grease.
- Saute the chopped onion, garlic, and green pepper until tender.
- Add all remaining ingredients, including carrots, potatoes, beans, tomato soup, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
- Simmer the mixture for at least 2 hours, stirring often, until carrots and potatoes are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider substituting half of the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. To enhance flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a tablespoon of brown sugar. If you're short on time, canned vegetables can be used instead of fresh, though the texture may differ. Adjust the spice level by varying the chili powder to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bernie’s Chili hot, garnished with fresh parsley or shredded cheese. It pairs wonderfully with Mother'S Cornbread for a comforting meal. Consider offering a side of Wilted Spinach Salad A L'Orange to balance the richness. This hearty dish is perfect for game day or a family gathering, and is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering it to retain moisture. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bernie'S Chili contains roughly 836 calories, with 18g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (158% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1617mg per serving (70% 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 the recipe calls for red kidney beans and white beans, you can mix in black beans, pinto beans, or any other variety you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using canned beans to prevent them from becoming too soft.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier chili powder or add crushed red pepper flakes to the mix. Taste as you go to ensure you achieve your desired spice level.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe to be vegetarian by replacing the lean hamburger with plant-based meat alternatives or simply increasing the amount of beans and vegetables. Additionally, ensure to use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based products for a full vegetarian experience.
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).