Pepe'S Favorite Chili
Pepe's Favorite Chili offers a hearty, spicy blend of ground beef, beans, vegetables, and bold seasonings, perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 lb coarse ground round steak ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 (6 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 3 (16 oz) cans red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green mild chiles ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz) can beer ⓘ
- 6 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped and seeded ⓘ
- 1 tsp oregano ⓘ
- pinch of cayenne ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp cumin ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot.
- Cook onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic until soft.
- In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef; drain off excess fat.
- Combine the cooked meat with the vegetables in the large pot.
- Add tomato paste, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, diced green chiles, beer, chili powder, salt, chopped jalapeno, oregano, cayenne, and cumin.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 2 to 3 hours.
- Stir every 10 to 15 minutes to prevent sticking or burning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a leaner chili, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use canned beans of your choice, but red kidney beans are traditional. To enhance flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of apple cider vinegar while simmering. This chili also benefits from a long, slow cook to meld the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over a bed of rice. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or some tortilla chips. This dish also complements easy sides like Cornbread Mexican Casserole for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepe'S Favorite Chili contains roughly 402 calories, with 15g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and iron (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1258mg per serving (55% 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 day ahead enhances the flavors. Simply prepare the chili as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop or microwave. The chili can also be frozen for future meals, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and using a mix of beans like black beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and consider adding more veggies such as zucchini or corn for added flavor and texture. Adjust the spices to your taste to ensure it remains flavorful.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, it goes great with rice or baked potatoes. You can also top it with fresh avocado or cheese for extra richness, making it a satisfying dish on its own or as part of a larger spread.
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).