Granddaddy'S Chili
Granddaddy's Chili is a hearty, smoky dish with rich flavors from bacon, beef, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings and chili lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon ⓘ
- 2 cups diced onion ⓘ
- 2 cups diced celery ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 3/4 pod garlic ⓘ
- 2 pounds coarse ground beef ⓘ
- 2 large cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 large cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon and lay on paper towel to drain.
- Add onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic to bacon grease in the pot.
- Just before the vegetables brown, add the ground beef.
- Turn up the heat to brown the meat, stirring to prevent burning.
- After the meat browns, add tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, salt, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to barely bubbling and cook for 3 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Break up the cooked bacon and add it to the chili, then season with black pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mix. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute. To enhance the depth of flavor, let the chili simmer longer than the recommended time. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can brighten the flavors nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Granddaddy's Chili with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Mom's Best Chili for a chili cook-off or potluck. Consider offering tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out and heat over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granddaddy'S Chili contains roughly 289 calories, with 11g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 802mg per serving (35% 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, this chili benefits from being made in advance as the flavors deepen overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator after cooling. Reheat it on the stove and add a bit of water if it thickens too much.
What can I serve with Granddaddy's Chili?
Pair it with cornbread, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also goes well with tortilla chips or even over baked potatoes for a delicious twist.
Is it possible to make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the meat and vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a convenient and flavorful meal.
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).