David'S Chili
David's Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender chunks of chuck roast and pork shoulder with smoky bacon, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato base. Perfect for cold evenings or gatherings, it offers a balanced blend of heat, savory meat, and vibrant vegetables that satisfy and warm the soul.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. chuck roast (1/2-inch cubes) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. pork shoulder or loin ⓘ
- 1 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 3 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 bottle chili sauce ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 bell peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/3 cup hot picante sauce ⓘ
- 2 cans red kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon paprika ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small box raisins, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- Maza flour ⓘ
- 12 oz. beer ⓘ
- water ⓘ
Instructions
- Dice and fry the bacon until crispy.
- Save the bacon grease.
- Saute chopped onions and garlic in the bacon grease until fragrant.
- Brown the meat in small portions in the bacon grease.
- Combine all ingredients except the cheese and Maza flour in a large pot.
- Add water and beer in equal amounts until the desired liquid level is reached.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of smoked and unsmoked bacon. If you prefer a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or include jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adjust the beans based on your preference; black beans can also work well in this chili. Serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve David's Chili with a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese on top and a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. A fresh green salad pairs well to balance the richness of the chili. For a unique twist, consider serving it with Jan's Baked Beans for a hearty combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of David'S Chili contains roughly 832 calories, with 31g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (109% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1365mg per serving (59% 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! This chili can be made a day in advance, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Simply cool it completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Is it possible to freeze the chili?
Yes, you can freeze this chili! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm up on the stove.
What can I use instead of beer in the recipe?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with beef broth or a mixture of equal parts beef broth and water. This will maintain the depth of flavor without the alcohol.
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).