Headquarters Chili
Headquarters Chili is a hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground meat, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for satisfying cravings and serving a crowd at casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. lean coarsely ground meat ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 3 (1 lb.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tsp. crushed cumin seed or ground cumin ⓘ
- 3 (15 oz.) cans pinto beans or canned kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 small green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cooking oil ⓘ
- 3 or 4 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook beef, green peppers, onions, and garlic in oil in a cast-iron kettle until beef is lightly browned.
- Add all ingredients except beans.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Stir in undrained beans; cover and simmer for an additional 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, let the chili simmer longer than the suggested time. Consider using ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more Tabasco sauce or diced jalapeños. Pair with a side of cornbread or a refreshing salad to balance the richness. You can also enhance your chili with a dollop of Vidalia Onion Relish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. For a unique twist, try serving it with a side of Sweetened Dill Pickles to complement the flavors. This dish is perfect for gatherings, especially during cold weather.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Headquarters Chili contains roughly 1042 calories, with 37g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (475% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 744mg per serving (32% 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 different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! You can substitute pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans depending on your preference. Each type will add a different flavor and texture, making the chili versatile. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to avoid excess sodium.
Is it possible to make this chili in advance?
Yes, this chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving. This is a great option for meal prepping or for a crowd, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready.
How can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, simply replace the ground meat with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or crumbled tofu. Ensure that the other ingredients, especially the broth, are vegan-friendly. This will maintain the hearty texture while accommodating dietary preferences.
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).