Debby'S Chili
Debby's Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish with rich beef, bacon, and bold spices, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Its smoky taste and robust flavors appeal to chili lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the lean hamburger until browned, then drain well.
- Cook bacon until crispy and crumble into small pieces.
- Save the bacon grease and sauté the chopped large onions until lightly browned.
- Bring water to a boil and add the beef bouillon cubes, stirring until dissolved.
- Add all ingredients except beans into the slow cooker, including browned hamburger, crumbled bacon, sautéed onions, tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, chili powder, jalapeno, bacon grease, and water.
- Heat the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 4 to 5 hours or longer.
- Add the beans halfway through the cooking time, allowing them to heat through and absorb flavors.
- Adjust chili powder or red pepper for desired heat level before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a hint of smoked paprika. You can substitute the lean hamburger with ground turkey for a lighter version or use a mix of ground meats for complexity. If you're short on time, canned jalapenos are a great alternative to fresh ones, and don't hesitate to adjust the chili powder based on your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Debby's Chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh Spinach Salad With Oranges And Peanuts for a refreshing contrast. Consider offering tortilla chips on the side for crunch, or top with sliced avocados for creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating works too, but stir occasionally for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Debby'S Chili contains roughly 1460 calories, with 36g protein, 220g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (374% 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 1196mg per serving (52% 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 vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a mix of beans like black beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon. You can still sauté the onions in olive oil for flavor and add your favorite vegetables for added texture.
How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mash a portion of the beans and stir them back in, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to reach your desired consistency.
What type of beans should I use?
While any beans can work, kidney beans and pinto beans are traditional choices for chili. If you prefer a different flavor, black beans or cannellini beans are also excellent options. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the chili.
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).