Trail'S End Chili
A hearty chili with rich tomato flavors, smoky spices, and tender beans, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual weeknight dinners with a flavorful kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck, chopped onion, and bell pepper in a pot.
- When peppers are tender, stir in brown gravy mix and add half of the coffee.
- Stir until gravy is well mixed.
- Lightly chop the canned whole tomatoes and add them to the pot.
- Add tomato paste, chili beans, and kidney beans.
- Pour in the remaining half pot of coffee and season with chili powder to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of hot chili sauce to the mix. If you want to make this chili healthier, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck. You can also replace kidney beans with black beans for a different texture. Remember, adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Trail's End Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro if desired. It pairs excellently with crackers or warm cornbread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, offer a side of Hillbilly Wine to complement the spicy flavors. This chili also works well as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Trail's End Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Trail'S End Chili contains roughly 2439 calories, with 126g protein, 260g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (272% of the Daily Value), protein (251% of the Daily Value), and iron (201% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2067mg per serving (90% 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. After browning the meat and vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld even more, creating a deliciously rich chili.
What can I serve with Trail's End Chili?
Trail's End Chili pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or even over rice. For sides, consider a fresh garden salad or warm corn salad to balance the richness of the chili.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground chuck with plant-based meat alternatives or a combination of lentils and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of coffee for added flavor, and ensure all canned products are vegetarian-friendly.
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).