Rich And Meaty Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with tender ground beef, rich tomato flavors, and a blend of spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. fresh ground beef ⓘ
- 1 qt. tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) can tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can red beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a frying pan, brown the ground beef; drain excess fat.
- Put the drained beef and remaining ingredients into a 6-quart pot.
- Cover the pot with a lid.
- Let simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Stir every 15 minutes during simmering.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you're out of tomato juice, you can substitute with beef broth or water mixed with tomato paste. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, and add more cayenne for extra spice. This chili can also be made in a slow cooker for an even deeper flavor, similar to a Stay A Bed Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal. Top with shredded cheese, diced onions, or sour cream for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Settlers Beans for a comforting dinner. For a more substantial meal, consider serving with a side salad or tortilla chips for crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored 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 in individual portions for up to 3 months, allowing it to cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe bags.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich And Meaty Chili contains roughly 582 calories, with 23g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (171% of the Daily Value), and calcium (127% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 48g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this chili vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, such as lentils or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for added flavor, and consider adding more beans or vegetables to enhance the dish.
How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a while to allow the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the chili, cooking until it thickens. Another option is to mash some of the beans to create a creamier texture.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor of your chili by adding diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even a splash of beer or red wine during cooking. For a smokier taste, try adding smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also brighten the dish when served.
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).