Jimmy Mcgowan'S Famous Chili

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful chili with bold spices, melted cheese, and savory beans and tomatoes, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper
  • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 8 oz. grated cheese
  • 2 1/2 oz. Red Hot sauce
  • 2 1/2 oz. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans
  • 1 1/2 to 2 lb. ground beef
  • 1 large can whole tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Brown the diced onion in a large skillet.
  2. Combine all ingredients except the ground beef in a large pot: chili powder, black pepper, red pepper, crushed red pepper, grated cheese, Red Hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red kidney beans, whole tomatoes.
  3. Add the browned onions to the large pot.
  4. Brown the ground beef separately, then add it to the large mixture.
  5. Simmer until the chili thickens and flavors meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or garlic when browning the onions. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. Adjust the heat by modifying the amount of chili powder and crushed red pepper to suit your taste. This recipe can be enhanced with a dollop of sour cream or avocado on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Jimmy McGowan's Famous Chili with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or tortilla chips for added crunch. Consider garnishing each bowl with additional grated cheese, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for gatherings or game day.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This chili also freezes well for longer storage.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jimmy Mcgowan'S Famous Chili contains roughly 353 calories, with 14g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).

353 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.3g 29% DV
Total Fat 18.2g 23% DV
Carbs 33.9g 12% DV
Fiber 4.4g 16% DV
Sugar 6.9g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 789.2mg 34% DV
Potassium 523.3mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 32mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 36.1mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 8.6mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 153.7mg 12% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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 ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving, and it will be ready to enjoy.

How can I make this chili spicier?

If you like your chili with a kick, consider adding more crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper. You could also incorporate diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce to increase the heat level to your preference.

What can I serve with chili?

Chili pairs well with a variety of sides like cornbread, rice, or baked potatoes. You could also offer toppings such as sour cream, diced onions, or jalapeños to allow guests to customize their bowls. For a fun twist, serve it over nacho chips for a delicious chili nacho platter.

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).

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