Real Chili
Real Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beef, smoky bacon, and a spicy kick from chili peppers and spices. Perfect for comfort food lovers, it pairs well with rice and beans, making it an ideal meal for casual gatherings or family dinners craving bold, warming flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 slices thick bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean beef (sirloin tip or round), cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups beef bouillon ⓘ
- 2 cans cold beer ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 whole red chili pepper, seeded and chopped or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute bacon until crisp, then drain the grease or sop it up with bread.
- Add garlic and beef, and brown at high heat, stirring frequently.
- Add onions and stir until transparent.
- Pour in beef bouillon and 1 1/2 cans of beer, and drink the rest of the beer.
- Add chili powder, ground cumin, and chopped red chili or cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until beef is tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Serve on rice with beans on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the heat. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms. Use smoked paprika instead of bacon for a smoky flavor, or try adding chopped bell peppers for a sweet note. This hearty dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili over fluffy rice, and pair it with cornbread or a side of mixed greens for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with beans on the side. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be complemented by a crisp salad or your favorite toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, transfer to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of beef bouillon or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Chili contains roughly 748 calories, with 34g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (94% of the Daily Value), and protein (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1399mg per serving (61% 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?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
What type of beer is best for this recipe?
A lager or a pale ale works well for this chili, as they add a nice depth of flavor without overpowering the dish. Avoid overly hoppy beers; a smooth, malty beer will enhance the savory notes.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To make the chili milder, reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the cayenne pepper. Conversely, for more heat, add extra cayenne or use hotter chili peppers. Adjust according to your taste preference for the perfect balance.
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).