Lumberjack Chili
Hearty chili packed with ground beef, veggies, and bold spices—perfect for a cozy family meal that satisfies meat lovers and comfort food fans alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Sauté the diced onion, green pepper, and celery until softened.
- Combine the beef, vegetables, tomato juice, kidney beans, whole tomatoes, chili powder, garlic powder, celery salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper in a large saucepan.
- Simmer the chili for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika or some diced jalapeños for heat. If you prefer a leaner chili, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes for a smoother texture. Adjust the spices to suit your taste, and feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lumberjack Chili with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. This chili pairs beautifully with Jim'S Sloppy Joes for a cozy gathering, or you can serve it over rice for a complete dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool the chili completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lumberjack Chili contains roughly 131 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 744mg per serving (32% 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 in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deliciously rich chili.
What can I serve with Lumberjack Chili?
In addition to cornbread, consider serving it with a fresh garden salad or some tortilla chips for crunch. This pairs well with a variety of toppings like diced avocado, jalapeños, or even a dollop of guacamole for a twist.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein. You can also add more beans or vegetables for heartiness, such as black beans or mushrooms for extra texture and 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).