Mary'S Award Winning Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, kidney beans, and smoky spices, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight family dinners craving bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced fine ⓘ
- 1 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 4 to 5 dashes Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 2 cans red kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown beef in olive oil. Add onion, green pepper, and garlic, stirring frequently.
- Add seasonings, ketchup, and water. Stir in brown sugar and vinegar. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or more Tabasco sauce as desired.
- Simmer for 1 hour, then add kidney beans and heat through.
- Serve over rice and garnish with shredded cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a blend of your favorite chili peppers. If you prefer a healthier version, substitute ground turkey for the beef or use canned diced tomatoes instead of ketchup. To enhance the depth of flavor, allow the chili to simmer longer, or try adding a splash of beer. For a unique twist, serve with cornbread for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili over fluffy rice for a comforting meal, and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. Consider serving a simple salad on the side for freshness, or enjoy it with a side of Mom'S Yankee Pot Roast for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain moisture and heat over medium-low until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Award Winning Chili contains roughly 1078 calories, with 26g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (183% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and protein (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1529mg per serving (66% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Prepare it in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with a combination of lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein. You can also add more beans or vegetables like zucchini and carrots to enhance the texture and flavor.
What can I serve with chili besides rice?
Chili is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for dipping. A fresh green salad or coleslaw can also provide a nice contrast to the hearty chili. For a unique option, try Spoonburgers for a fun twist.
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).