Buzzard'S Breath Chili
Buzzard's Breath Chili is a fiery, hearty dish with rich beef, bold chili flavors, and a smoky depth, perfect for spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. lard, butter or drippings ⓘ
- 2 large onions, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 8 lb. beef or other meat, about 1/2 diced and the other 1/2 coarsely ground ⓘ
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. ground mild red chili pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground mild red chili pepper ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. ground hot red chili pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground hot red chili pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 (8 oz.) cans water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt the lard, butter or drippings in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook until translucent.
- Add the diced beef and coarsely ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground mild red chili pepper, ground hot red chili pepper, cumin, and dried oregano, cook for a minute to release flavors.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and water, bring to a simmer.
- Add salt and stir well.
- Mix in the masa flour to thicken the chili, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer the chili for at least 1 hour until flavors meld and meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, try using a combination of lard and butter when sautéing the onions. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of hot red chili pepper or substitute with a mild variety. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option. Consider adding beans for extra texture and protein, making this chili even heartier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Buzzard's Breath Chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. It's perfect alongside cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a fun twist, pair it with Mini Taco Cups or serve it over rice for a filling meal. This chili also makes a great topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, ensuring it heats evenly. This chili also freezes well; cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buzzard'S Breath Chili contains roughly 2863 calories, with 81g protein, 425g carbohydrates, and 141g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (781% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (163% of the Daily Value). 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 in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. This chili also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it later.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, reduce the amount of hot red chili pepper or choose a milder variety. You can also add a dollop of sour cream when serving to help tone down the heat. If you want to spice it up, consider adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce.
What can I serve with Buzzard's Breath Chili?
This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or over rice for a heartier meal. For a fun twist, try incorporating it into Mexican recipes like tacos or burritos.
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).