The Family'S Favorite Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili, packed with ground chuck, tomatoes, beans, and aromatic spices. Its rich, savory taste makes it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering comforting warmth and satisfying spice notes that appeal to all chili lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in the canned whole tomatoes, ketchup, water, and spices (cinnamon, chili powder, garlic powder, celery salt, garlic salt).
- Add the chili beans and mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of ground meats, such as ground turkey or pork combined with the ground chuck. If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the canned whole tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes if you have them on hand. Adjust seasonings to taste during cooking for a personalized flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream on top. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side of tortilla chips for added crunch. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Spider Cookies for dessert, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water if the chili has thickened too much. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Family'S Favorite Chili contains roughly 1820 calories, with 42g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), iron (83% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground chuck and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, simmered flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground chuck with a mix of lentils and diced vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of water and ensure your chili beans are vegetarian-friendly. This will create a hearty and satisfying dish without the meat.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a bit of sugar or honey, which helps to neutralize the spice. Additionally, adding more canned tomatoes or a can of coconut milk can help dilute the heat and make the chili more palatable.
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).