Chili-Thon Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring tender ground beef, pinto beans, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for satisfying a crowd on a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 6 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 3 or 4 diced onions ⓘ
- 1 diced green pepper ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 large packages Williams chili powder ⓘ
- 1 package taco seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon bay leaves ⓘ
- red pepper to taste ⓘ
- 4 lb. cooked pinto beans ⓘ
- 2 large cans tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 large cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 quart diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 jar hot taco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Scramble hamburger, diced onions, and diced green pepper in a large skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Add salt, pepper, chili powder, taco seasoning, and bay leaves to the meat mixture. Mix well.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato juice, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
- Add cooked pinto beans and hot taco sauce to the chili.
- Simmer the chili for at least 1 hour, adding water if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the hamburger until crispy before adding the vegetables. You can substitute the pinto beans with black beans for a different texture, or use fresh tomatoes instead of canned if they're in season. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili powder and red pepper according to your taste. This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chili-Thon Chili with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions enhance the flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Venison Meat Ball Casserole for a comforting dinner spread. For a refreshing contrast, consider a side salad or some crunchy tortilla chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain its consistency and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili-Thon Chili contains roughly 354 calories, with 12g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (251% of the Daily Value), iron (97% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2510mg per serving (109% 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 easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the hamburger, onions, and green pepper, transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, hands-off meal.
What can I do if the chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding more beans or tomatoes to dilute the spice. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sugar can also help to mellow out the flavors. Serve with plenty of toppings to help offset the heat.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with a mix of lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or plant-based ground meat. Ensure all the other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, and you’ll have a delicious, hearty chili that everyone can enjoy.
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).