Fair Chili
Fair Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices. Its bold chili flavor makes it perfect for casual gatherings or cozy family dinners, offering a comforting meal with a touch of heat and a rich, savory profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add the cooked meat and onion to a pot along with the tomatoes, chili beans, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, red pepper, and beef bouillon cubes.
- Cook the mixture until everything is heated through and flavors meld, about 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the plain cornmeal with a little water to form a slurry.
- Stir the cornmeal mixture into the chili and cook for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the chili. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder and red pepper. Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a leaner option. Additionally, adding bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance the texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Jo'S Special Baked Beans for a comforting dinner. Consider offering tortilla chips or a fresh salad as sides to balance the richness of the chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fair Chili contains roughly 1562 calories, with 59g protein, 293g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), protein (118% of the Daily Value), and iron (105% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1834mg per serving (80% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and onion first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cornmeal slurry in the last 30 minutes to thicken the chili.
What can I use instead of beef bouillon cubes?
If you don't have beef bouillon cubes, you can use beef broth as a substitute. Replace each cube with 1 cup of broth in the recipe. Alternatively, vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a mix of lentils, black beans, or crumbled tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon and ensure all canned ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
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).