Original Ranch House Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground meats, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or family dinners with a smoky, spicy kick.
Ingredients
- oil ⓘ
- 1 lb diced ground chuck beef ⓘ
- 2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb ground and diced pork ⓘ
- 1 celery stalk ⓘ
- 1/2 medium bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 4 tomatillas, diced ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 4 oz beer ⓘ
- 6 oz tomato paste ⓘ
- 14 1/2 oz canned tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 8 oz canned tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili con carne seasoning ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 or 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck, ground beef, and pork in 1 tablespoon oil in a frying pan; drain and set aside.
- In a 5-quart kettle, add 2 tablespoons oil and heat to medium/high.
- Stir in chopped celery, diced bell peppers, onion, and diced tomatillas.
- Cook and stir until onions are transparent.
- Add cooked meats to the kettle and mix well.
- While stirring, add water, beer, tomato paste, canned tomatoes with juice, and tomato juice.
- Add chili powder, ground pepper, hot pepper sauce, chili con carne seasoning, and cayenne pepper; mix well.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 30 minutes.
- Add kidney beans and stir well; cook for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of meats such as ground turkey or chicken instead of all beef. If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of water or increase the tomato paste. Adding a tablespoon of brown sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Spice lovers might enjoy incorporating a dash of smoked paprika for added depth. This dish pairs beautifully with Billy'S Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, diced onions, or fresh cilantro. A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess. It pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a fun twist, serve it over baked potatoes or as a filling for tacos.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simmer on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, stirring occasionally until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Original Ranch House Chili contains roughly 687 calories, with 31g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (188% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (127% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 988mg per serving (43% 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?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with a combination of lentils, beans, or textured vegetable protein. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture.
What can I serve with this chili?
Chili is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Classic options include cornbread or rice. You could also serve it with a simple green salad or some warm tortillas. Consider offering toppings like avocado, cheese, or jalapeños for added 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).