Gary'S Famous Chili
Gary's Famous Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground meats, beans, and bold spices, perfect for satisfying gatherings and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground sirloin ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground venison ⓘ
- 2 large onions
- 2 large Italian frying peppers ⓘ
- 2 oz. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cumin ⓘ
- 2 large cans plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 cans baked beans ⓘ
- 2 cans white beans ⓘ
- 2 cans kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground sirloin and venison in a pan, then remove and drain the fat.
- In the same pan, sauté diced onions and Italian frying peppers in olive oil until tender.
- Add the cooked meats back into the pan and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, seasoning with oregano, basil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add canned plum tomatoes, tomato paste, one can of water from the tomato paste can, Tabasco sauce, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring often.
- Drain the baked beans, white beans, and kidney beans, then add them to the chili. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve the chili in bowls, sprinkled with Monterey Jack cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of beer or a dash of smoked paprika. If ground venison isn’t available, you can substitute with more ground sirloin or even turkey. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste, so feel free to use fresh oregano and basil if you have them. Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level for a more personalized heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot in bowls topped with shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy finish. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a delightful dessert, consider following with a slice of Melba Cheesecake Pie. You can also set out additional toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, or sour cream to customize each bowl.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portioned containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water if the chili is too thick, and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gary'S Famous Chili contains roughly 2365 calories, with 86g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 172g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (195% of the Daily Value), and protein (173% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 933mg per serving (41% 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 different types of meat in this chili?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground sirloin and venison, you can substitute with any ground meat, including turkey, chicken, or pork. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, omit the meats and replace them with additional beans or lentils for protein. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to enhance the texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra depth.
What can I do if the chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt when serving. Additionally, incorporating a bit of sugar or honey can help offset the spiciness. You might also add more tomato paste or beans to dilute the heat.
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).