Davis Junction Church Chili("Feeds A Crowd")

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 20 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful chili packed with beef, beans, and savory spices, perfect for feeding a crowd at gatherings or family dinners with bold, comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 5 lb. ground beef
  • 2 qt. water
  • 5 (46 oz.) cans tomato juice
  • 5 pkg. Chili-O seasoning mix
  • 5 (30 oz.) cans Brooks chili hot beans (undrained)
  • 2 tsp. cumin
  • dash of Tabasco sauce (optional)
  • 2 c. onions, diced

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and diced onions in a large pot.
  2. Add water, tomato juice, chili seasoning mix, chili hot beans (undrained), cumin, and optional Tabasco sauce.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for at least thirty minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with minced garlic or adding bell peppers to the onion mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth instead of water. Adjust the spice level by using medium or mild chili seasoning mix. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, and any leftovers can be used in dishes like Debbie'S Soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions add a nice touch. Pair it with a simple salad or some tortilla chips for crunch. This chili is perfect for game day or gatherings, and it pairs beautifully with American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Davis Junction Church Chili("Feeds A Crowd") contains roughly 485 calories, with 25g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and calcium (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1334mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).

485 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 24.7g 49% DV
Total Fat 28.6g 37% DV
Carbs 51.9g 19% DV
Fiber 12.1g 43% DV
Sugar 5.4g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1334.1mg 58% DV
Potassium 2186.4mg 47% DV
Cholesterol 17mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 168.7mcg 19% DV
Vitamin C 78.9mg 88% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 956.9mg 74% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 a different type of meat for this chili?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a lighter option. Each alternative will bring its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your dietary preferences.

How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?

If your chili ends up too watery, you can let it simmer uncovered for a longer period to help reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the chili and simmer until thickened.

Is it possible to make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a deliciously rich chili without much hands-on time.

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).

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