Best Doggone Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with spicy peppers, tomatoes, beans, and rich wine, perfect for satisfying a crowd craving robust American-style comfort food.
Ingredients
- 7 tsp butter ⓘ
- 5 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 large onions ⓘ
- 2 large bell peppers ⓘ
- 1 lb ground round ⓘ
- 1 lb London broil
- 2 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1 crumbled bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp basil ⓘ
- pinch thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice ⓘ
- 1 dried red chili pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 6 Serrano peppers ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups red wine ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 3 cans red kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add chopped bell peppers, Serrano peppers, and dried red chili pepper; cook for a few minutes until softened.
- In a separate pan, brown the ground round and London broil, then combine with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in chili powder, basil, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground allspice, crushed tomatoes, sugar, soy sauce, hot pepper sauce, and crumbled bay leaf.
- Pour in red wine and bring mixture to a simmer, cooking uncovered for about 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add red kidney beans and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired, with bread or over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. You can substitute the red kidney beans with black beans for a different twist. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the number of Serrano peppers or omit the cayenne pepper. Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with bread or over rice. Consider serving alongside a refreshing Strawberry Sodas for a delightful meal experience. For a complete spread, include a side of cornbread or a simple salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Doggone Chili contains roughly 1147 calories, with 71g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), protein (141% of the Daily Value), and iron (114% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with a mix of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty texture. You can also add more beans or vegetables like zucchini and corn to bulk it up without losing flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, start by reducing the number of Serrano peppers and cayenne pepper. You can also balance the heat by adding a spoonful of sugar or serving the chili with a dollop of sour cream, which helps to mellow the spiciness.
Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Yes, this chili is perfect for making ahead of time! The flavors deepen when allowed to sit, so consider making it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. It’s a great dish for meal prepping or entertaining.
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).