Carol'S Chili
A hearty, smoky chili packed with sausage, bacon, and beans, featuring rich wine and bold spices—perfect for gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1.5 lb. Eckrich kielbasa sausage, sliced and halved ⓘ
- 1.5 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 0.5 jalapeno pepper, diced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 cups dark red wine
- 0.5 cup Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon celery seed ⓘ
- 1.5 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoons pepper ⓘ
- 6 cups Italian tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown bacon and sausage in a large pot.
- Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeno pepper; cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in dark red wine and Worcestershire sauce; bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mash the tomatoes.
- Add mashed tomatoes, their juice, and all cooked meats to the onion mixture.
- Heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
- Stir in the pinto beans and kidney beans.
- Cover and simmer for an additional hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked sausage instead of regular kielbasa. You can substitute the dark red wine with beef broth for a non-alcoholic version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more jalapeno or a splash of hot sauce. For a vegetarian option, replace the meats with mushrooms and lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of wine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Carol's Chili with warm cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Clara's Homemade Chili for a fun chili cook-off. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. A simple side salad can balance the richness of the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carol'S Chili contains roughly 129 calories, with 8g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 929mg 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 make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, Carol's Chili tastes even better the next day! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for gatherings or busy weeknights.
How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mash a portion of the beans and stir them back in, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to achieve a thicker consistency.
Is it possible to freeze this chili?
Absolutely! Carol's Chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
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).