Uncle Joe'S Famous Chili

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, hot dogs, and spicy jalapenos, perfect for casual gatherings and satisfying spicy food lovers looking for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

  • 2 chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 hot jalapeno pepper
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1 can tomato puree
  • 2 lb ground chuck
  • 3 Tbsp vinegar
  • 4 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 lb hot dogs, sliced
  • 2 cans mild jalapenos, chopped
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, chunked
  • hot sauce as desired

Instructions

  1. Saute chopped onions in oil until translucent.
  2. Add garlic, hot jalapeno pepper, salt, pepper, and tomato puree; cook for one hour.
  3. Add ground chuck, vinegar, and chili powder; cook for another hour.
  4. Add hot dogs, mild jalapenos, and kidney beans; cook for one hour.
  5. Add Velveeta cheese and hot sauce; cook for 30 minutes.
  6. Top with chopped onion and simmer before serving hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a dash of cumin or smoked paprika to the chili. If you prefer a milder dish, use less jalapeno or substitute with a bell pepper. For a vegetarian version, replace ground chuck with lentils or your favorite meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice tolerance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Uncle Joe's Famous Chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with diced onions, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. This dish pairs beautifully with the refreshing flavors of Lemonade Or Limeade Pie for dessert, balancing the spiciness of the chili.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Uncle Joe'S Famous Chili contains roughly 992 calories, with 30g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), iron (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2149mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).

992 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 29.8g 60% DV
Total Fat 42.3g 54% DV
Carbs 128.2g 47% DV
Fiber 18.7g 67% DV
Sugar 22.4g 45% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2148.9mg 93% DV
Potassium 1378mg 29% DV
Cholesterol 36.8mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 209mcg 23% DV
Vitamin C 13.6mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 215.8mg 17% DV
Iron 11.2mg 62% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk

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 advance?

Yes, this chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving to enjoy a delicious meal with even more depth of flavor.

Is there a way to make this chili spicier?

Absolutely! To increase the heat, add more jalapenos or include diced habanero peppers. You could also use a spicier chili powder or incorporate some cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust to your personal spice preference.

What can I substitute for the ground chuck?

For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, which will still provide good flavor and texture. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) to maintain the hearty consistency of the chili.

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).

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