Marie'S Chili
A hearty chili featuring tender beef, rich spices, and a smoky flavor, perfect for comforting dinners and gatherings that appreciate bold, warming tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chuck or round steak on medium heat.
- Add bay leaves, oregano, and 2 cups water.
- Boil for 1 hour.
- Pour the water through a strainer into the cooked chili meat.
- Add remaining ingredients and cook for 3 hours. Adjust chili powder to taste if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the meat overnight with spices. If you can't find bay leaves, dried thyme can be a good substitute. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of ground red pepper or chili powder. For a thicker chili, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Marie's Chili with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, diced onions, or sour cream for added flavor. This chili pairs beautifully with Nutty Pasta for a comforting dinner option. A side of tortilla chips can also add a nice crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marie'S Chili contains roughly 1987 calories, with 94g protein, 244g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (231% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (188% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2769mg per serving (120% 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?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with all ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and flavors meld together.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a bit of sugar or honey, which will help to counteract the spiciness. Alternatively, adding more diced tomatoes or beans can dilute the heat while maintaining the flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Marie's Chili is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and flavors often improve after resting. You can easily make a large batch at once, portion it out, and have meals ready to go for the week.
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).