Grandpa Carr'S Best Chili
Grandpa Carr's Best Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and a hint of red wine. The combination of chili powder, cumin, cloves, and allspice creates a warm, smoky profile perfect for cozy gatherings or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- black pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. powdered cumin ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes
- 6 whole cloves ⓘ
- 6 whole allspice ⓘ
- 2 medium bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried leaf oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the ground beef until all the red is gone.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Create a space in the center of the pot and cook the minced garlic for about 1/2 minute, then stir into the meat mixture.
- Add salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, hot pepper sauce, and canned tomatoes; stir well.
- Place the cloves, allspice, and bay leaves into a tea ball and add to the mixture.
- Stir to mix everything well.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
- Add the kidney beans and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Stir in dried oregano and cook for 15 minutes.
- If desired, add red wine and cook for a few more minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats, such as beef and pork. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and hot pepper sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the flavor when serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Baked Beans (Easy) or cornbread for a comforting meal. For a complete spread, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandpa Carr'S Best Chili contains roughly 717 calories, with 20g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (165% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1304mg per serving (57% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Absolutely! Canned kidney beans are a great time-saver. Just rinse them before adding to the chili to reduce sodium content. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they're heated through without becoming too soft.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also include diced jalapeños or other hot peppers to the mix. Adjust gradually to achieve your preferred spiciness level without overwhelming the other flavors.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, it goes well with Baked Beans - Different! or a quiche like Quiche Florentine for an impressive brunch option.
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).