Bj'S World Class Chili
A hearty, smoky chili packed with bacon, ground beef, and tender vegetables, perfect for comfort food lovers and family gatherings with bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon slices in a skillet until crispy.
- Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, brown onion slices in bacon grease until tender, then remove.
- Brown ground beef in the same skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Crumble the cooked bacon.
- Combine bacon, ground beef, onions, celery, chili beans with liquid, peeled whole tomatoes with liquid, chili powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg into a large casserole dish.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients.
- Bake in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 1.5 hours.
- Uncover the casserole for a thicker chili or cover for a more soupy consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika or chipotle powder in place of some chili powder. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans and use vegetable broth instead of bacon grease for sautéing. Additionally, using canned tomatoes with green chilies can enhance the spice level. Adjust the chili powder according to your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bj'S World Class Chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions enhance the dish. This chili pairs beautifully with Reba'S Hot-N-Chunky Chili for a chili night feast or can be served alongside tortilla chips for a satisfying appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bj'S World Class Chili contains roughly 337 calories, with 9g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 910mg per serving (40% 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 ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef to create a lighter version of the chili. Just be aware that ground turkey can be drier, so consider adding a bit of extra liquid or cooking it with a little olive oil to maintain moisture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more or less chili powder based on your taste. For additional heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce during cooking. If you want a milder chili, reduce the chili powder and omit any spicy additions.
Is this chili suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Bj'S World Class Chili is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Make a large batch and divide it into portions to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for quick, future meals.
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).