First Place Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with rich beef, beans, and spices, perfect for a comforting meal that warms the soul and satisfies a crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 to 4 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. cumin powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 5 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 8 c. water ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans dark red kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, onions, and garlic; drain fat.
- Add all remaining ingredients except beans to the pot.
- Simmer the chili for 3 hours.
- Add the kidney beans and simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving for best flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground pork. If you're looking for a healthier option, lean ground turkey can be substituted. Adjust the chili powder to your taste for more or less heat. Adding a touch of brown sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. For added depth, include a splash of beer or broth while simmering.
Serving Suggestions
This chili pairs beautifully with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. Serve alongside a fresh salad or with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. It also complements well with dishes like Manaroni.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent splattering.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of First Place Chili contains roughly 304 calories, with 13g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1084mg per serving (47% 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 advance?
Yes, in fact, making it a day ahead enhances the flavors. Just refrigerate it overnight and reheat before serving. The spices meld together, resulting in a more robust taste. This dish is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and can be frozen for longer preservation.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of water, and include canned lentils or additional beans for protein. This way, you can enjoy a hearty chili without meat.
What type of beans work best in chili?
While dark red kidney beans are traditional, you can use pinto beans or black beans for a different flavor profile. Feel free to mix and match beans to suit your taste. Just be sure to rinse and drain 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).