Dr. Zan'S Geologo-Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, vegetables, and spicy seasonings, perfect for those craving a smoky, mildly hot dish to satisfy a crowd or family dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp oil ⓘ
- 3 c onion chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium bell pepper chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery chopped ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- jalapenos ⓘ
- Tabasco sauce
- 8 Tbsp mild chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 tsp celery salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp brown sugar ⓘ
- 6 garlic cloves mashed ⓘ
- black pepper ⓘ
- 1 c white vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery; sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in tomato sauce, jalapenos (to taste), Tabasco sauce (to taste), chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, brown sugar, and mashed garlic cloves.
- Season with black pepper to taste.
- Pour in white vinegar and stir well.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning as desired and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute with lentils or a meat alternative. Adjust the heat by varying the number of jalapenos or Tabasco sauce. If you want a thicker chili, let it simmer longer or add a bit of tomato paste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over rice for a fulfilling meal. It's also excellent as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes. For a complete meal, pair with a side salad or corn on the cob. This dish pairs beautifully with Frito Pie(Chili).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dr. Zan'S Geologo-Chili contains roughly 706 calories, with 33g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1187mg 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Make it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat on the stove before serving.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more jalapenos or a few dashes of hotter hot sauce. You could also incorporate chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
What can I serve with Dr. Zan'S Geologo-Chili?
This chili is versatile and pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added 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).