Pappy'S Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, chili con carne, and bold spices, perfect for comforting gatherings and family dinners with a rich, smoky taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and drain excess fat.
- Combine all ingredients except chili con carne in a large pot.
- Cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 1 hour.
- Reduce heat and simmer for an additional hour.
- Add chili con carne almost at the end of cooking and stir well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the mix. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes. You can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger for a lighter option. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, and don't forget to taste as you go for seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Pappy's Chili is perfect served with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy-Cheesy-Potato Chowder for a comforting dinner spread. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pappy'S Chili contains roughly 291 calories, with 15g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (261% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (167% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 799mg per serving (35% 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 chili a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. It tastes even better the next day.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian chili by substituting the hamburger with a mix of beans like black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. You can also add more vegetables such as zucchini or corn for added texture.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding chopped fresh jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
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).