Church Chili(Served At Church Bazaar For Many Years.)
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground meats, beans, and vegetables, perfect for church bazaars or family gatherings, offering a comforting and spicy experience.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced onion ⓘ
- 1 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 4 c. canned or cooked red kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 c. canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cold water ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat a pan and add oil.
- Lightly brown the ground pork and beef.
- Add sliced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, and diced green pepper.
- Continue frying and stirring until the onions are golden, about 15 minutes.
- Add canned tomatoes, chili powder mixed with cold water, salt, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Add drained kidney beans.
- Cook uncovered until well heated and to desired thickness.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding a dash of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meats with mushrooms or lentils. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini for more texture. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference; start with 1 Tbsp. and increase gradually based on taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Church Chili with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a comforting meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. This dish also pairs beautifully with Forget-Me-Nots for a delightful contrast in taste and texture. Consider serving a fresh salad on the side for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Church Chili(Served At Church Bazaar For Many Years.) contains roughly 427 calories, with 7g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 970mg per serving (42% 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 Church Chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Church Chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for a quick and delicious meal.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans on hand, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas. Each option will provide a different flavor and texture, but they will all work well in this hearty chili.
How spicy is this chili?
The spice level of Church Chili can be adjusted based on your preference. Starting with 1 Tbsp. of chili powder provides a mild flavor, while adding more can increase the heat. Consider tasting 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).