Dad'S Door County Chili
Dad's Door County Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish with smoky spices and tender beef, perfect for chilly evenings and satisfying large gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 cans dark kidney beans ⓘ
- 3 cans stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 24 oz. tomato sauce (8 oz. cans) ⓘ
- 3 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 9 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 3 cups diced onions ⓘ
- 4.5 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1.5 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1.5 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 4.5 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 4.5 Tbsp. horseradish ⓘ
- 4.5 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté ground beef in a large pot until browned.
- Add remaining ingredients: dark kidney beans, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, beef bouillon cubes, diced onions, oregano, thyme, black pepper, crushed red pepper, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder.
- Cook slowly over low heat for 2 hours or longer, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can swap ground turkey for a leaner option or use canned beans for quicker prep. If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the tomato sauce or simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes. This recipe is an excellent choice for meal prep, similar to other beef recipes like Ground Beef Skillet Supper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions on top. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple salad or tortilla chips. This chili can also be used as a filling for dishes like Lazy Cabbage Roll for a delightful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portioned containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between heats.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Door County Chili contains roughly 2640 calories, with 135g protein, 572g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (969% of the Daily Value), protein (270% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% 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 in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the ground beef, transfer it to a slow cooker and add all the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an excellent option for busy days.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon and add more beans or vegetables to enhance the texture and flavor, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili ends up too spicy, try adding a bit of sugar or honey to balance the heat. You can also stir in more tomato sauce or beans to dilute the spiciness. A dollop of sour cream on top when serving can also help mellow the flavors.
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).