Kathy'S Special Chili
Kathy's Special Chili offers a hearty, flavorful blend of beef, beans, and vegetables, perfect for comforting gatherings and chili lovers seeking bold, spicy tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. sirloin tips, cut small
- 2 cans small red beans ⓘ
- 1 can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 chili pepper ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 1 carrot, shredded ⓘ
- 5 mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 celery stalk ⓘ
- 4 scallions
- 1 pkg. chili seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the chopped onions, scallions, shredded carrots, chopped celery, and sliced mushrooms in vegetable oil.
- Add the small sirloin tips and brown the meat.
- Transfer all ingredients to a large pot or slow cooker.
- Add the canned red beans, whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pot.
- Stir in chili seasoning mix and chopped chili pepper.
- Simmer the chili all day or cook in a crock-pot for 6 to 8 hours until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you're out of sirloin tips, ground beef or turkey can be used as a substitute. You can also swap the red beans for black beans or kidney beans based on your preference. Adjust the chili powder and pepper for desired heat levels, especially if you enjoy spicy dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kathy's Special Chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices to enhance the flavors. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing Lemonade Jello Mold for dessert, making it a perfect gathering dish for family and friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To freeze, place it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it will last up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kathy'S Special Chili contains roughly 431 calories, with 16g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (409% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (174% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (109% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1836mg per serving (80% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the sirloin tips with a mix of chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and additional beans. Use vegetable broth instead of meat for added flavor, and keep the spices the same for a delicious result.
How can I thicken my chili if it's too watery?
If your chili is too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a bit longer to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water or add a small amount of masa harina for a subtle corn flavor.
What can I serve with chili besides cornbread?
Besides cornbread, consider serving the chili with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast, or a fresh green salad for a lighter side. You can also pair it with baked potatoes or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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).