Greg'S Famous Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for satisfying a crowd or casual gatherings. Rich and comforting with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large Spanish onion ⓘ
- 1 pkg. chili seasoning ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 can Manwich chili ⓘ
- 2 cans Italian stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can Italian tomato sauce
- 2 large cans dark red kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, chopped onion, seasonings, and chopped garlic cloves in a large pot until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add chili seasoning, Manwich chili, Italian stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and dark red kidney beans to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about one hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, optionally over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or diced bell peppers. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute half of the ground beef with ground turkey or lentils. To enhance the spice level, adjust the chili powder or add fresh jalapeños. This chili recipe is versatile enough to be used as a filling for Western Beef Sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili hot, optionally over cooked rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a well-rounded dinner. For a fun twist, top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado. This dish also makes a great filling for tacos or burritos, enhancing your favorite beef recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greg'S Famous Chili contains roughly 1185 calories, with 49g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (150% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (136% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1161mg per serving (50% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes! While dark red kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavor. Just ensure that the total amount remains the same for balance.
How spicy is this chili?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The chili seasoning and chili powder provide a mild heat, but you can increase the spice by adding cayenne pepper or fresh diced chilies. Taste as you go to achieve your desired heat level.
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).