Denise'S Prize Winning Chili
Denise's Prize Winning Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with tender ground beef, rich tomato base, and a blend of peppers, beans, and savory seasonings. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, it offers a spicy-sweet balance and complex flavors that appeal to chili lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 2 tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green olives ⓘ
- 1 packet onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sweet gherkins
- 1 can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sweet relish ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onions in a large skillet.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked beef and onions with all other ingredients except the kidney beans in a large pot.
- Cook uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or using fire-roasted tomatoes. If you're short on time, canned beans can be added directly to the pot instead of cooking from scratch. You can also substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or add a splash of hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili in bowls with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions on top. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side of tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a complete spread, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or a hearty dish like Mike'S Pork Chop Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so slowly on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Denise'S Prize Winning Chili contains roughly 225 calories, with 10g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 736mg per serving (32% 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, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also add extra beans or vegetables to enhance the texture and flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños for heat. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder and opt for sweet bell peppers instead.
What can I serve with chili besides cornbread?
In addition to cornbread, this chili pairs well with rice, baked potatoes, or even over nachos. Try serving it with a side of Kim'S Ham And Hash Brown Omelet for a delicious brunch option.
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).