Marv'S Favorite Chili
A hearty, savory chili with rich beef, tomatoes, and beans, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and half of the chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add the remaining ingredients: chopped onion, chopped celery, Worcestershire sauce, tomato soup, kidney or chili beans, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, chili powder, and optional hot peppers, green peppers, and hot sauce.
- Simmer the mixture until flavors meld and chili thickens, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cumin to the chili. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, replace the meat with lentils or a mix of beans. Adjust the chili powder and hot peppers to your desired spice level, and serve with a side of cornbread for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Marv's Favorite Chili with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad. For those who enjoy a kick, offer hot sauce on the side. This hearty dish is perfect for game day or family gatherings, and it also makes a great filling for Beef Pocket Pies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the chili in portions for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marv'S Favorite Chili contains roughly 1903 calories, with 78g protein, 270g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (268% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (260% of the Daily Value), and iron (218% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1629mg per serving (71% 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 ground beef and onions first, then transfer them to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty chili.
What should I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can reduce the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or some shredded cheese to balance it out. Alternatively, adding a bit of sugar or honey can help counteract the heat. You can also dilute the chili with more tomato sauce or beans to soften the spice level.
Can I add vegetables to this chili?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots can be great additions for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions before adding the rest of the ingredients. This not only enhances the texture but also creates a more colorful and hearty dish.
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).