The Ultimate Chili
A hearty, smoky chili packed with bacon, sausage, beans, and bold spices, perfect for comforting gatherings and chili lovers seeking rich, robust flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 lb. hot Italian link sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 to 3 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 cans (14 to 16 oz.) Italian-style tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pinto beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can garbanzos or kidney beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown bacon pieces until crisp.
- Remove from skillet and drain well.
- Brown sausage and ground chuck with onions over medium heat.
- Drain the meat mixture and transfer to a crock-pot.
- Add cooked bacon, green pepper, garlic, jalapeno, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, dry mustard, pepper, tomatoes, pinto beans, and kidney beans.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 14 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika or a splash of beer to your chili. You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck if you prefer leaner meat. If you want more heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This chili can also be adapted to include other beans like black beans or even lentils for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ultimate chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Easy Ham And Scalloped Potatoes, creating a comforting spread. For a lighter option, consider a fresh garden salad on the side.
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 stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Ultimate Chili contains roughly 460 calories, with 14g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1055mg per serving (46% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by omitting the bacon, sausage, and ground chuck. Substitute with more beans, such as black beans or lentils, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for texture and flavor. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of meat-based for cooking.
How do I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more jalapenos, or other spicy peppers, such as serranos or habaneros. Incorporating a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce can also help. Remember to start with a small amount and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.
What can I use instead of pinto beans?
If you don't have pinto beans on hand, you can substitute with black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. Each type of bean will add a unique flavor and texture to the chili, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what you have available.
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).