Dave'S Rich And Meat Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, beans, and vegetables simmered in rich tomato broth, perfect for satisfying gatherings and cold days.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 qt. tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) can tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can red beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. dried navy beans ⓘ
- 2 qt. boiling water ⓘ
- 2 qt. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery ⓘ
- 2 large carrots ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook dried navy beans in boiling water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- Add chicken broth to the beans and cook for 1 hour until tender.
- Finely dice the onions, celery, and carrots.
- Saute the diced vegetables in reduced calorie margarine for about 5 minutes.
- Add the sauteed vegetables to the cooked beans along with the salt, basil, and garlic powder.
- Simmer the mixture uncovered for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until the beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and pork. You can also substitute the dried navy beans with canned beans to save time; just add them later in the cooking process. If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños. Additionally, using homemade chicken broth enhances the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or alongside dishes like Cajun Catfish With Fried Rice. Don't forget to offer hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicier.
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, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dave'S Rich And Meat Chili contains roughly 858 calories, with 21g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (285% of the Daily Value), iron (103% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2455mg per serving (107% 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?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day in advance, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
How can I thicken the chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and include a variety of beans for protein.
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).