Chasen'S Famous Chili
Chasen's Famous Chili offers rich, hearty flavors with tender beans, savory meats, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. dried pinto beans ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 lb. green peppers ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 1/2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground pork ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash the dried pinto beans and place them in a bowl.
- Add cold water to cover the beans by two inches and soak overnight.
- Simmer the soaked beans, covered, in the same water until tender.
- Add the canned tomatoes and simmer for five minutes.
- Saute green peppers slowly in salad oil for five minutes.
- Add chopped onion and cook until tender, stirring frequently.
- Add crushed garlic and chopped parsley to the mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika or chipotle powder in place of regular chili powder. If you're short on time, canned beans can work; just rinse and add them later in the cooking process. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Consider adding a splash of beer for depth, similar to some Pork recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chasen's Famous Chili with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or Baked Beans For Four to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. It can also be reheated in the microwave, but stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chasen'S Famous Chili contains roughly 907 calories, with 47g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (365% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1543mg per serving (67% 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 use different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While pinto beans are traditional, you can substitute with black beans, kidney beans, or even a mix. Just be sure to adjust the soaking time accordingly if using dried beans.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper to suit your taste. Start with small amounts and adjust as necessary.
Is this chili suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chili freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).