Million Dollar Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring beef, tomatoes, beans, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or a satisfying family dinner with rich, bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped beef suet ⓘ
- 4 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 cans (1 pound 12 ounces each) tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon paprika ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 cans (15 ounces each) red beans in chili gravy ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle, melt the beef suet.
- Add garlic and onions; cook until golden.
- Add green pepper and ground meat; break up until crumbly.
- Spoon off excess liquid from the mixture.
- Mix in salt, pepper, and tomatoes.
- Add beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and Burgundy wine, mixing after each addition.
- Simmer the chili for 1 1/2 hours.
- Cool the chili; refrigerate for 2 days.
- When ready to serve, skim the fat off the top and reheat slowly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground chuck and ground pork. If you don't have beef suet, bacon fat can be a good substitute. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference; smoked paprika can also add depth. To save time, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes. This chili is versatile and can handle additional vegetables like corn or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Million Dollar Chili with warm cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions elevate the dish further. This chili pairs beautifully with a salad or can be enjoyed alongside tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with a refreshing side of coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion. When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Skim off any excess fat before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Million Dollar Chili contains roughly 590 calories, with 24g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (203% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (176% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1118mg per serving (49% 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, making it a couple of days in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After cooking, cool the chili completely and refrigerate. The next time you heat it up, you might find the flavor has improved, making it even more delicious!
What can I substitute for red beans?
If red beans aren't available, you can use black beans or kidney beans as substitutes. Both provide a slightly different taste and texture but will still work well in this chili. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed if using canned beans to reduce sodium content.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground chuck with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans and lentils. Replace beef suet with olive oil or coconut oil, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth if needed. This way, you can enjoy a hearty chili without the meat!
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).