John'S Famous Hot Chili

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

John's Famous Hot Chili offers a fiery, flavorful blend of hot sauces, jalapenos, and spices, perfect for those who love bold, spicy comfort food.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. lean ground round
  • 3 (7 3/4 oz.) cans El Paso hot sauce
  • 2 medium white onions
  • 1 (12 oz.) can beer
  • 2 large cans kidney beans
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 3 medium bell peppers
  • 7 jalapeno peppers, diced
  • 1 large jar La Victoria hot salsa

Instructions

  1. Dice onions and bell peppers.
  2. Saute the diced onions and bell peppers in a small amount of oil for about 15 minutes or until they begin to tenderize.
  3. Add the ground round and brown thoroughly.
  4. Once all the meat is browned, drain all the liquid from the pan.
  5. Add the large jar of hot salsa, the three cans of El Paso hot sauce, and the chili powder.
  6. Cook for about 1 1/2 hours at low heat, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add the can of beer and cook for another 1 hour.
  8. Add the kidney beans and cook for 1 hour.
  9. Taste and enjoy!

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding more diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the hot salsa with a medium version. Using ground turkey can make this dish leaner, while still providing great flavor. Serve with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad, like Gayla'S Nappa Cabbage Salad. For a fun twist, serve it over baked potatoes or in taco shells for a chili taco night.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it loosely, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of John'S Famous Hot Chili contains roughly 608 calories, with 53g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), protein (107% of the Daily Value), and iron (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 478mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

608 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 53.3g 100% DV
Total Fat 11g 14% DV
Carbs 74.6g 27% DV
Fiber 31.7g 100% DV
Sugar 3.7g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 477.6mg 21% DV
Potassium 2024.2mg 43% DV
Cholesterol 75.3mg 25% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 116.1mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 31.4mg 35% DV
Calcium 197.8mg 15% DV
Iron 12.8mg 71% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this chili vegetarian, simply substitute the ground round with a mix of lentils or other plant-based proteins. You can also add more beans or vegetables to enhance the texture and flavor. This way, you can enjoy a hearty chili while keeping it plant-based.

How can I thicken my chili?

If you find your chili too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash some of the kidney beans and stir them back into the pot, which will help create a thicker consistency.

Can I freeze this chili for later?

Yes, this chili freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the 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).

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