Butch'S Chili
Hearty and robust chili featuring tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and rendered suet, perfect for satisfying a crowd or warming up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a large pot.
- Sprinkle the beef with salt.
- Pour 1 pint of water over the salted beef.
- Cook for 1 1/2 hours until the meat is tender, stirring often and maintaining low heat.
- Grind and render the suet off the kidney, then strain and let cool.
- Grind the chili pods, onions, and garlic twice.
- Use the chili plate to grind the chili pods, then the sausage plate for the onions and garlic.
- Once the meat is tender, pour the rendered suet over it and stir, cooking for 5 more minutes.
- Add the ground spices and dry spices on top of the meat, letting them melt.
- Stir everything together and cook for an additional 5 minutes until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of beef cuts like chuck and brisket. If you can't find suet, you can substitute with beef tallow or omit it entirely for a leaner chili. Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chili pods according to your preference. Remember to grind the spices fresh for maximum aroma and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Butch's Chili with warm Pull-Apart Onion Rolls for a delightful contrast in texture. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the chili. This dish is also perfect for game day or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butch'S Chili contains roughly 5307 calories, with 33g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 524g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (156% of the Daily Value), iron (96% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting it sit overnight in the fridge enhances the flavors. Just reheat it on the stove before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
What can I use instead of chili pods?
If chili pods are unavailable, you can substitute them with canned chili peppers or chili powder. Adjust the quantity according to your heat preference, as dried chili pods often have a different potency.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of beans like black beans and kidney beans. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add diced bell peppers for additional flavor.
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).