Chili Parlor Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, rich spices, and tomatoes, perfect for family dinners or gatherings craving a spicy, comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground round beef ⓘ
- 1 qt. water ⓘ
- 4 small onions ⓘ
- 4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed red peppers ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cumin seed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 5 medium bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 qt. tomatoes or tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring 1 quart of water to a boil.
- Add ground beef; crumble and cook until meat is no longer pink.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, starting with the spices.
- Let simmer for 6 to 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider browning the ground beef with the onions before adding water. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the crushed red peppers or skip them altogether. Substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter version, or add beans for extra texture. Spices like smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor, similar to what you'd find in Beef Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread, making it a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider side dishes like Garden Vegetable Soup or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors of the chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Parlor Chili contains roughly 2050 calories, with 64g protein, 295g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (235% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% 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 recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker model for optimal results.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes if you're looking for a leaner option. You could also use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding diced mushrooms or lentils to maintain a hearty texture while keeping it meat-free.
How can I adjust the spice level of the chili?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of crushed red peppers or omit them entirely. If you like it spicier, consider adding jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. Remember to taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.
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).