Champion Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring chili peppers, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for comfort food lovers and suitable for gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 chopped garlic clove ⓘ
- 4 lb. chuck, cut into chunks and browned ⓘ
- 1 cup chilies ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped tomato ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato paste ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- garlic powder ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 can beer ⓘ
- 1 cup mineral water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. If you don't have chili powder, a mix of paprika, cayenne, and cumin can work as a substitute. Fresh herbs like cilantro can be added just before serving for a burst of freshness. For a vegetarian option, replace the chuck with a mix of beans like black beans and kidney beans, adapting the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Champion Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions. It pairs beautifully with Honey Glazed Peas or crusty Hurry Up Yeast Rolls for a complete meal. For a more substantial feast, consider offering cornbread on the side or a fresh salad to balance the hearty flavors of the chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of mineral water or broth to reach your desired consistency. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Champion Chili contains roughly 1259 calories, with 44g protein, 226g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (262% of the Daily Value), iron (191% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (178% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2933mg per serving (128% 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 a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make Champion Chili in a slow cooker. After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To adjust the spiciness, you can vary the amount of chili powder and the type of chilies you use. For a milder chili, reduce the chili powder and use sweet bell peppers. For a spicier version, consider adding jalapeños or even habaneros. Taste as you go to find the right balance for your palate.
What types of beans can I add to the chili?
You can add a variety of beans to enhance the texture and flavor of the chili. Common choices include black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Rinse canned beans before adding them to the pot, and if using dried beans, make sure to soak and cook them beforehand. Aim for about 2 cups of beans total.
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).