Peppermint'S V-8 Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with lean beef, a blend of spices, and a savory mix of vegetables and beans, perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 large cans V-8 juice ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 can pinto beans (do not drain) ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans (do not drain) ⓘ
- 1 can chili beans (do not drain) ⓘ
- 1 cup white wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, and parsley in a large pot; drain excess fat.
- Return the browned mixture to the pot.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, V-8 juice, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, white pepper, black pepper, and wine.
- Stir in pinto beans, kidney beans, and chili beans without draining.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 3 hours.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, allow the chili to simmer longer than three hours; the ingredients will meld beautifully. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute lean ground turkey for a lighter option or use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for added heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese or sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the rich sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with tortilla chips for crunch. This dish is perfect for game day or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili 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. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppermint'S V-8 Chili contains roughly 644 calories, with 24g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (113% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 764mg per serving (33% 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 allows the flavors to develop even more. Simply prepare the chili as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Is there a vegetarian option for this chili?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils and chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of V-8 juice for a richer flavor without meat, while still keeping the essence of chili intact.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a simple garden salad. You might also consider serving it with tortilla chips or over a bed of rice for a more filling meal. For a unique twist, top it with avocado slices or fresh cilantro.
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).