Paul Bunyan'S Chili
Paul Bunyan's Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and spices, perfect for satisfying large crowds or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 to 4 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- dash of paprika ⓘ
- dash of cayenne ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, sauté chopped onions, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic in vegetable oil until tender.
- Add ground beef and brown; drain off excess fat.
- Drain kidney beans and reserve the liquid.
- Add beans, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, chili powder, crushed bay leaf, crushed red pepper, oregano, paprika, and cayenne to the beef mixture.
- Simmer for 1 1/2 hours, covered.
- If the mixture becomes dry, add the reserved bean liquid.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of brown sugar to the chili. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, and feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a side of cornbread, such as Jalapeno Pepper Corn Bread, for a satisfying meal. Top each bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It also pairs well with crusty bread or tortilla chips, making it a great dish for gatherings or game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through, until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paul Bunyan'S Chili contains roughly 1240 calories, with 46g protein, 255g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (370% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (311% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (232% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2332mg per serving (101% 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! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for a quick and delicious meal.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For a flavor boost, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Smoked paprika can also enhance the smokiness of the chili, while a pinch of cinnamon adds an interesting warmth. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices!
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, you can definitely mix and match beans! Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas can work well in this chili. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you use dried beans, as they will need to be cooked until tender before adding them to the chili.
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).