Darrell'S Chilli
A hearty and flavorful chili with rich tomato and spice notes, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking a robust, slow-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger meat in a large skillet until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked meat and cook until softened.
- Combine the cooked mixture with the can of whole tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato juice, sugar, bay leaves, oregano, salt, chili powder, and jalapeno peppers in a large pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 6 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground chuck instead of regular hamburger for a juicier result. If you don’t have jalapenos, you can substitute with diced green bell peppers for milder heat. A pinch of smoked paprika can also enhance the smoky flavor of the chili. Adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of your tomatoes, and for a thicker chili, let it simmer longer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Darrell's Chilli with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with Easy Denver Sandwiches or buttery cornbread for a complete meal. Consider adding a side of tortilla chips for crunch. Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions can also be used as garnishes for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions 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; just cover the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Darrell'S Chilli contains roughly 655 calories, with 23g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (288% 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 1280mg per serving (56% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the fridge after cooking, then reheat when ready to serve. This chili also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more jalapenos or include diced serrano peppers. You can also stir in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
What can I serve with this chili?
In addition to cornbread, consider serving it with a side of rice or a simple green salad to balance the meal. It also works well as a topping for baked potatoes or hot dogs, making it versatile for different serving occasions.
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).