Heritage Chili
Heritage Chili delivers a hearty, smoky flavor with a blend of tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cups diced onion ⓘ
- 2 cups diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1.5 pounds ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 5 tablespoons catsup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cumin ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 3 cups V-8 juice ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (15.5 oz) cans dark red kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck in a pan over a charcoal grill using mesquite charcoal, sprinkling Worcestershire sauce over the meat while browning.
- Add the cooked meat to a large stock pot.
- Add diced onion, diced celery, diced green pepper, and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pot.
- Simmer on the stove until the vegetables are tender.
- Add drained and chopped whole tomatoes and V-8 juice, then simmer the mixture.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika in place of some of the chili powder. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground chuck with lentils or textured vegetable protein. You can also add chopped jalapeños for extra heat. When browning the meat, ensure it's well crumbled for even cooking and flavor distribution.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Heritage Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with Grandma'S Sweet Potatoes or cornbread for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread. This dish also freezes well for future meals.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Heritage Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heritage Chili contains roughly 1286 calories, with 27g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (195% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1744mg per serving (76% 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! Feel free to substitute the dark red kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each type will add its unique flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also experiment with hotter chili powders or hot sauce to achieve your desired spice level. Just remember to taste as you go to find the right balance.
Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Yes, Heritage Chili can be made ahead of time, and the flavors will deepen as it sits. Prepare it a day or two in advance, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
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).