Harper'S Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring beef, beans, and tomatoes with smoky spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 3 large onions ⓘ
- 5 (1 lb.) cans crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 6 (1 lb.) cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 c. applesauce ⓘ
- 1 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 qt. water ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can tomato soup ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown hamburger and chopped onions together in a skillet.
- Stir often to break up the hamburger until fully cooked.
- Dump all ingredients except spices into a 2 1/2 gallon kettle and mix well.
- Add all spices together in a small bowl.
- When hamburger is browned, drain off grease and add to the kettle.
- Heat mixture to boiling, then add 2/3 of the spice mixture and simmer for 1 hour.
- Taste and add more spices if needed.
- Simmer for an additional 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper or add diced jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey for hamburger if you're looking for a leaner option. Additionally, feel free to swap kidney beans with black beans for a different texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Harper's Chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving a light salad or some roasted vegetables on the side. This chili also goes well with traditional American recipes like Creamette Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot. Chili also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harper'S Chili contains roughly 1657 calories, with 81g protein, 276g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (306% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (163% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1382mg per serving (60% 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?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the hamburger with plant-based meat alternatives or simply using more beans and vegetables. Consider adding bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I thicken the chili if it’s too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a while to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the chili, cooking for a few more minutes until thickened.
What can I do with leftover chili?
Leftover chili is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a filling for burritos or tacos, serve it over baked potatoes, or mix it into mac and cheese for a hearty twist. Additionally, it can be frozen for later use, making it a convenient meal 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).