Clay'S Jail House Chili
Hearty and flavorful chili featuring ground beef, cubed beef, and spicy jalapenos, perfect for cold nights and large gatherings craving bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean beef, cubed ⓘ
- 1 lg. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 4 jalapenos, chopped ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. mild chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 28 oz. plum tomatoes, crushed and well drained ⓘ
- 4 c. beef stock ⓘ
- Salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 16 oz. can dark red kidney beans, rinsed
- Cayenne pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef and cubed beef until all pink color is gone.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped jalapenos, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Cook for about 20 minutes until vegetables are very tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in crushed and drained plum tomatoes.
- Add beef stock and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and add rinsed kidney beans.
- Simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add cayenne pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with flour tortillas.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a hint of smoked paprika. If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the number of jalapenos or add some diced habaneros. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef if desired. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or a mix of beans instead of meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this robust chili hot with warm flour tortillas for dipping. You can also top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Beef And Macaroni Bake for a hearty meal or can be enjoyed alongside cornbread for a comforting experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clay'S Jail House Chili contains roughly 908 calories, with 45g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (190% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (183% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2261mg per serving (98% 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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned diced or crushed tomatoes instead of fresh plum tomatoes. Just ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess liquid in the chili. This can save time while still delivering great flavor.
How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili is too watery, you can let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the chili until thickened.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal by serving it with sides like cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad. It's also great topped with avocado or served with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
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).