Jim'S Homemade Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual weeknight dinners with bold, warm flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 8 oz. onion ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. turmeric ⓘ
- 3 red peppers ⓘ
- 3 dried chilies ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 8 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 can (15 1/2 oz.) red kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground beef, diced onion, and diced garlic in a large pot until browned and fragrant.
- Add spices including turmeric, oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, chili powder, red peppers, and dried chilies. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring well.
- Add stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red kidney beans to the pot. Mix thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the spices. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein. Adjust the chili powder according to your heat preference, and try using fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jim's Homemade Chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Chili Chips(Appetizer) for crunch. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jim'S Homemade Chili contains roughly 1208 calories, with 50g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (235% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1565mg per serving (68% 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 ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as they may brown more quickly. The flavor will differ slightly, but the spices in the chili will still provide a delicious result.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more dried chilies or use a spicier chili powder. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust according to your heat preference to achieve the desired spiciness.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving, and you'll have a delicious meal ready to go.
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).