"Frankie'S" Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for warming gatherings and casual meals, appealing to chili lovers and comfort food fans.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 (28 oz.) cans whole tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 7 c. water ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans pinto beans
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 5 or 6 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain off the grease.
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Simmer for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot. Makes about 6 quarts and freezes well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. To enhance the flavor, let the chili sit overnight in the fridge before reheating, as the flavors will meld beautifully. This recipe can also be adapted with different beans like black beans or cannellini beans to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili in bowls, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or even a slice of Pizza With A Hamburger Crust for an indulgent twist.
Storage & Reheating
Cool the chili completely before transferring it to airtight containers for storage. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Frankie'S" Chili contains roughly 1004 calories, with 57g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (567% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (206% of the Daily Value), and iron (146% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1202mg 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 use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lean alternative to ground beef. It will result in a lighter chili, but be sure to season it well to enhance the flavors. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey cooks faster than beef.
Is there a way to make this chili less watery?
To thicken the chili, you can reduce the amount of water added or allow it to simmer longer, which will evaporate some of the liquid. Alternatively, adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) can help thicken it quickly.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with crusty bread or fluffy rice, and don't forget toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, or avocado. It can also be enjoyed in a burrito or over hot dogs for a creative twist.
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).