Gina'S Famous Chili
Gina's Famous Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish blending beans, meats, vegetables, and spices, perfect for satisfying gatherings and chili lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry anasasi or pinto beans ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 6 shallots
- 1 7 oz can green chilies ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 lbs chopped sirloin (7% fat) ⓘ
- 2 lbs ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp pepper flakes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 lb B & B Baked Beans ⓘ
- 4 oz jar pimentos
- 3 14 oz cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 3/4 cup celery ⓘ
- 1/2 lb fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red bell peppers ⓘ
- 9 oz can pitted black olives ⓘ
- 12 oz bottle chili sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp oregano ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp pepper
- 2-4 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 bunch cilantro ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak beans overnight.
- Simmer beans until tender (2-3 hours) and drain.
- In melted butter, sauté onions, shallots, green chilies, and garlic until onions are soft.
- Add sirloin and cook over moderate heat until browned.
- Add ground turkey and pepper flakes. Sprinkle with flour and stir until blended.
- Transfer mixture to a heavy Dutch oven or 8-quart kettle.
- Add diced tomatoes, chopped celery, sliced mushrooms, chopped red bell peppers, chopped black olives, baked beans, pimentos, chili sauce, salt, garlic salt, oregano, pepper, chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in spices and continue simmering for 1 hour or more.
- Just before serving, remove from heat, stir in sour cream, and heat through over low heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of beer or a tablespoon of cocoa powder while simmering. If you need a vegetarian option, substitute the meats with textured vegetable protein or lentils. Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference, and feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. It's delicious with cornbread or over rice, making it a hearty meal. For a fun twist, try pairing it with the 'Philly' Cherry Pie for dessert, balancing the savory with a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gina'S Famous Chili contains roughly 4209 calories, with 54g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 390g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (394% of the Daily Value), iron (195% of the Daily Value), and protein (108% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Absolutely! After sautéing the vegetables and meats, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I do if my chili is too thick?
If your chili ends up too thick, simply add a little broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of pepper flakes or chili powder. You can also include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Taste as you go to ensure it meets your spice preference.
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).