Kathleen'S Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with beef, beans, and smoky spices, perfect for satisfying a crowd or cozy family dinners with bold, warming flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 slices chopped bacon ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1.5 lb beef ⓘ
- 2 chopped medium onions
- 2 chopped stalks celery ⓘ
- 1/4 chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato sauce or paste ⓘ
- 2 cups whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups red kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute bacon, garlic, and beef in a large pot until browned.
- Add the chopped onions, celery, green pepper, mustard, chili powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the pot; cook for a few minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the tomato sauce or paste and whole tomatoes.
- Add the meat mixture to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Cook and simmer the chili for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add the red kidney beans during the last hour of cooking to heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or paprika to your chili mix. If you prefer a spicier kick, increasing the amount of hot sauce or adding fresh jalapeños can enhance the heat. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option, or even use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kathleen's Chili with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy touch. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try serving it over baked potatoes or with tortilla chips for dipping.
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 reheat it in the microwave, ensuring it’s heated evenly to prevent cold spots.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kathleen'S Chili contains roughly 512 calories, with 14g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1944mg per serving (85% 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
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make Kathleen's Chili vegetarian, replace the beef with a mix of chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, or use a plant-based meat substitute. Ensure the broth and sauces used are vegetarian-friendly, and enjoy the hearty flavors without the meat.
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).