Billy'S Chili
Billy's Chili is a hearty, savory dish packed with tomatoes, beans, peppers, and tender meats, perfect for satisfying a crowd and warming up chilly days.
Ingredients
- 7 (6.12 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 15 cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 3 small cans mushrooms ⓘ
- 4 green peppers ⓘ
- 1 lb. bacon, fried and crumbled ⓘ
- flour (to thicken)
- 3 banana peppers ⓘ
- 1 bag onions
- 2 (32 oz.) cans V-8 juice ⓘ
- 3 lb. browned hamburger ⓘ
- 6 lb. cooked other beef ⓘ
- 4 stalks chopped celery ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer.
- Continue to simmer until peppers and celery are tender.
- If the chili becomes too thick, add tomato juice to reach desired consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans can be great substitutes. Adjust the heat by adding more banana peppers or including a dash of cayenne pepper. For a thicker chili, use more flour or add a small can of tomato paste. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, replace the meat with lentils and use vegetable broth instead of V-8 juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Billy's Chili with warm cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Zucchini Bake for a comforting dinner. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. This chili can also be used as a filling for tacos or burritos for a creative twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or additional V-8 juice to loosen the consistency. Heat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, or microwave in a covered bowl.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Billy'S Chili contains roughly 1420 calories, with 53g protein, 230g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (189% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (137% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (133% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1487mg per serving (65% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, making Billy's Chili ahead of time enhances the flavors as they meld together. It can be refrigerated overnight or even made several days in advance. Just remember to reheat it slowly to maintain the best texture and flavor.
What can I serve with Billy's Chili?
Billy's Chili is delicious on its own but is fantastic served with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad. You could also consider pairing it with Robyn Sharkey'S Waikiki Meatballs for a diverse meal spread that caters to various tastes.
How can I adjust the spice level in the chili?
To control the spice level, you can either reduce the amount of banana peppers or use milder varieties. Alternatively, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat. Remember to taste as you go to achieve your desired spiciness.
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).