Mattie'S Chili
Hearty and flavorful chili with tender pinto beans, ground beef, and smoky seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 bag dry pinto beans ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups Monterey cheese ⓘ
- 8 large tortillas ⓘ
- 1 large ham hock ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can green chilies ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak pinto beans overnight.
- Drain beans and rinse well.
- Place beans in a large pot with the ham hock and cook until beans are tender.
- Chop the ham hock finely and return it to the beans.
- Add chicken broth to cook the beans fully.
- In a separate pan, cook ground beef until browned.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, seasoned salt, allspice, and black pepper to the beef and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Combine the beef mixture with the cooked beans.
- Stir in chopped celery and Monterey cheese.
- Warm tortillas and serve the chili with tortillas on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked ham hocks or adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or extra beans. To save time, canned pinto beans can be used; just reduce the cooking time accordingly. Adding diced bell peppers can also enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili warm, garnished with additional Monterey cheese and chopped green onions if desired. It's perfect alongside warm tortillas or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or a refreshing avocado salsa. This dish also pairs beautifully with Cheese, Ham And Bacon Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the chili thickens, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mattie'S Chili contains roughly 1195 calories, with 42g protein, 277g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (413% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2628mg per serving (114% 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 use different beans in this chili?
Yes, you can substitute pinto beans with black beans, kidney beans, or a combination of your favorites. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of beans you choose, especially if you opt for canned beans.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat to the chili, include diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the beef mixture. You can also serve the chili with hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick.
Is there a way to make this chili healthier?
Absolutely! You can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef to reduce fat content. Additionally, adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can boost the nutrition without compromising 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).