Jay'S Chili
Jay's Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with tender ground beef, tomatoes, green chilies, and bold chili spices. Perfect for gatherings or comforting family dinners, it offers a rich, smoky taste with a touch of heat, satisfying chili lovers seeking a robust, homemade meal.
Ingredients
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil
- 4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green chili salsa ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onions, green pepper, chopped celery, and chopped garlic in hot oil until tender.
- Add the ground beef, one pound at a time, until the meat loses its redness.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Add water to the meat mixture.
- Stir in the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, green chili salsa, chili powder, and diced green chilies, stirring after each addition.
- Simmer the chili for 2 1/2 hours, stirring frequently, and season to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. If you prefer a leaner chili, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Use low-sodium canned tomatoes to control salt levels. Fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten the dish. This chili can be customized with beans or corn, making it a versatile option in the realm of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jay's Chili with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions enhance the flavor. Pair it with a fresh salad or tortilla chips for a complete spread. This chili pairs beautifully with Beefy Baked Beans for a satisfying gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain consistency. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jay'S Chili contains roughly 313 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1408mg per serving (61% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
How can I thicken my chili?
To thicken your chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix in a cornstarch slurry or add a small amount of masa harina for a subtle corn flavor while thickening.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making chili ahead of time allows the flavors to develop. Cook it as directed, then cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheating will make it even more delicious!
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).