Jo'S Original Super Homemade Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, sausage, bacon, and spicy seasonings, perfect for comforting gatherings and chili lovers seeking a robust, smoky taste.
Ingredients
- 4 lb ground beef ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- garlic to taste ⓘ
- onion salt to taste ⓘ
- 2 tsp Mexican style chili powder ⓘ
- 3 sausage patties
- 3 strips crisp bacon ⓘ
- 2 packages chili seasoning mix
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 small jar hot taco sauce ⓘ
- 1 large can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 large cans chili beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Use an iron skillet to brown the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic, onion salt, and chili powder.
- Cover the bottom of the skillet with salt (no grease).
- Stir in the sausage patties, crisp bacon, and chili seasoning mix.
- Add the tomato sauce, hot taco sauce, whole tomatoes, and chili beans.
- Stir well until the tomatoes are chunky throughout the mixture.
- Cook slowly for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Add several slices of cheese on top.
- Simmer as long as you like and serve with breaded cheese sticks or crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder. Using lean ground beef can help reduce the fat content while still keeping the dish hearty. Feel free to experiment with different types of beans or even add some corn for sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the flavors in Oh My Gosh!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, topped with slices of cheese that melt beautifully into the mixture. It pairs wonderfully with breaded cheese sticks or crackers for a delightful crunch. Additionally, consider serving it with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. For a unique twist, it also goes well with a side of Conquezo Dip to enhance the cheesy goodness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jo'S Original Super Homemade Chili contains roughly 302 calories, with 13g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a mix of black beans and kidney beans to maintain that hearty texture. These substitutions will still provide a delicious and satisfying chili experience.
How can I thicken my chili if it's too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period, allowing excess liquid to evaporate. Another option is to add a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina, which will absorb some liquid and give your chili a nice texture without altering the flavor.
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).