Hard Rock Cafe Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, vegetables, and spices, perfect for casual gatherings or comfort food lovers seeking a smoky, savory dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup celery
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar pimentos, undrained ⓘ
- 2 (32 oz.) jars tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. chili powder or to taste ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Morton Seasons ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar or to taste
- 1 can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can chili beans ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. cumin seed or to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a large skillet or pot.
- Add chopped onions, celery, green pepper, pimentos, and garlic to the meat and sauté for a few minutes.
- In a large kettle, combine the cooked meat and vegetables with tomatoes, all spices, and beans.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 6 hours on the stovetop at very low heat or in an oven at 325°F for the same amount of time.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or using ground turkey instead of ground chuck for a leaner option. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, and feel free to include other beans like black beans for variety. If you like a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last hour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over rice for a fulfilling meal. Topping with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions adds freshness. It pairs beautifully with Krispie Treats for a sweet finish, making it ideal for gatherings or game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions until heated through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hard Rock Cafe Chili contains roughly 536 calories, with 22g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (91% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1462mg per serving (64% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground chuck with a plant-based meat alternative or use additional beans and lentils for protein. Be sure to check the vegetable broth and canned beans for any hidden animal products to keep it vegan.
How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or stir in a tablespoon of cornmeal to help thicken the mixture.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili is versatile! It goes well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad. For a twist, serve it over baked potatoes or rice. It also complements the sweet and tangy flavors of Easy Three Day Sweet Pickles.
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).