Patti'S Chili
A hearty chili packed with ground beef, vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for a comforting meal that suits family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- chili powder to taste ⓘ
- 1 can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 1/2 can tomato paste ⓘ
- Worcestershire sauce to taste ⓘ
- oregano (at least 1 tsp.) ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or pot.
- Add minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chopped celery, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add canned red kidney beans, stewed tomatoes, and tomato paste to the mixture.
- Simmer the chili for about 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika or cumin. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra texture. This chili can also be enhanced with a splash of beer for richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Patti's Chili with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It's also delicious alongside cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with a simple green salad or tortilla chips for a complete dinner experience. For an interesting twist, try it with the Cheese And Beef Upside-Down Cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months, thawing before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Patti'S Chili contains roughly 695 calories, with 33g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (232% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1375mg per serving (60% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After browning the ground beef, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier chili powder blend. Adjust gradually to reach your desired spice level.
What toppings work best for chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and fresh cilantro. You can also serve it with avocado slices or a squeeze of lime for a fresh contrast.
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).