Don Truitt'S First Prize Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring beef, steak, green chilies, and cumin, perfect for cozy gatherings and those who enjoy spicy, robust dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 lb. steak, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 or 3 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (4 oz.) cans diced green chilies ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 14 oz.) can red beans or pinto beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. Angostura Bitters ⓘ
- 1 cup red wine ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook hamburger in a large skillet or heavy pan until browned; remove and set aside.
- Cook onions and garlic separately until tender, then return beef to the pan.
- Stir in tomato sauce, red wine, diced green chilies, salt, cumin, and Angostura Bitters.
- Partially cover and simmer for 1 hour or more until desired thickness.
- Add drained beans, if using, and simmer uncovered for an additional 45 minutes.
- Serve with chopped onions, grated Cheddar, and dollops of sour cream in each bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. You can substitute the red wine with beef broth if preferred. For added heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. If you like a thicker chili, allow it to simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, topped with chopped onions, shredded Cheddar cheese, and dollops of sour cream for a creamy contrast. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread for soaking up the flavors. Consider serving alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal, or use it as a hearty filling for tacos.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Don Truitt'S First Prize Chili contains roughly 404 calories, with 23g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (106% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 875mg per serving (38% 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 tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
What can I substitute for the beans?
If you prefer a beanless chili, you can omit the beans entirely or replace them with finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture. Alternatively, some people enjoy adding lentils for a similar effect without the beans.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?
Yes! You can replace the meat with a combination of mushrooms, lentils, and your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of red wine and add more beans or vegetables to maintain heartiness. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian chili without sacrificing flavor.
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).