Steve'S Famous Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for casual gatherings or comforting meals with a kick of heat and savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 medium chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh garlic chopped or crushed
- 31 oz. can Brooks chili hot beans
- 16 oz. can Brooks "Just For Chili" diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz. can Brooks "Just For Chili" tomato sauce ⓘ
- 46 oz. can tomato juice ⓘ
- 16 oz. jar Pace picante sauce ⓘ
- 2 or 3 drops Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Place ground chuck in a skillet.
- Combine chopped onion, chopped garlic, salt, and chili powder.
- Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until meat is browned.
- Drain off grease.
- Combine browned seasoned meat with the remaining ingredients in a large soup kettle.
- Cook on low to medium-low heat.
- After chili starts to bubble, allow it to simmer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- This chili will taste even better on the second day.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of cumin or smoked paprika. If you're looking for a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey for the ground chuck. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a mix of beans instead. Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer drops of Tabasco sauce according to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Picnic Lemonade for a refreshing drink. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple salad or Paw Paw'S Refrigerator Pickles.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it to avoid splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Steve'S Famous Chili contains roughly 459 calories, with 15g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2260mg per serving (98% 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, this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover chili for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
How can I make it spicier?
To increase the heat, add more Tabasco sauce or include a diced jalapeño pepper during cooking. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes, depending on your heat preference.
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).