J B'S Mighty Fine Chili
A hearty, flavorsome chili packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 to 3 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 8 stalks celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomatoes with juice, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans, drained and with liquid reserved ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain off grease.
- In a large pot, stir together all ingredients except kidney beans.
- Add liquid from the drained kidney beans and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 50 minutes. Spoon off any fat.
- Add kidney beans to the chili.
- Cover and simmer for another 50 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chili, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce. Pair with crusty bread for a full meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, optionally topped with grated Cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or with tortilla chips. You can also browse more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of J B'S Mighty Fine Chili contains roughly 861 calories, with 30g protein, 189g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), iron (72% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 35g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are a great time-saver and provide excellent flavor. Just ensure you choose quality canned tomatoes with no added sugars or preservatives for the best results.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the texture and flavor.
Is it possible to freeze this chili?
Yes, chili freezes very well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
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).