Bulk Chili

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 25 Cuisine: American

A hearty and flavorful chili made with tender meat and rich spices, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting meal. Its robust flavors of chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic make it a versatile dish suitable for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 45 lb. chili meat
  • 1 1/2 lb. chili powder
  • 7 1/2 Tbsp. salt
  • 9 oz. paprika
  • 6 oz. cumin
  • 2 1/4 oz. black pepper
  • 4 1/2 oz. granulated garlic
  • water
  • cracker meal

Instructions

  1. Cook the chili meat over medium heat for 45 minutes.
  2. Add chili powder, salt, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and garlic to the meat.
  3. Stir well and continue to cook for 15 minutes.
  4. Add water to cover the mixture and stir well; bring back to a boil.
  5. Gradually stir in cracker meal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until reaching the desired thickness.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider searing the chili meat before cooking. If you need a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder and add diced bell peppers for sweetness. You can substitute the granulated garlic with fresh minced garlic if desired. Adjust the water to your preferred consistency, and remember that flavors will develop further as it sits, making leftovers even better.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, diced onions, or sour cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Eubie'S Easy Brunswick Stew and cornbread for a complete meal. Consider serving with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. A side of rice can also balance the dish, making it more filling.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency. Stir often to prevent sticking.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bulk Chili contains roughly 431 calories, with 19g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

431 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.6g 37% DV
Total Fat 20.1g 26% DV
Carbs 65.5g 24% DV
Fiber 16.6g 59% DV
Sugar 3.3g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 362.7mg 16% DV
Potassium 1881.9mg 40% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 179.5mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 8.1mg 9% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 876.5mg 67% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 or chicken instead of chili meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for chili meat. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly, so you may want to adjust the spices accordingly. Lean meats can also result in a drier chili, so ensure to add enough water for moisture.

How can I make this chili spicier?

To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You may also consider using a spicier chili powder or adding cayenne pepper. Remember to taste as you go to ensure the spice level suits your preference.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the chili meat with a combination of beans (such as black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans) and additional vegetables. Increase the spices to enhance the flavor and use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth.

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).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →