Vickie'S Chili
Vickie's Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish with tender ground beef, rich tomato base, and spicy peppers, perfect for comforting gatherings and chili lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
- 3 medium onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 green bell peppers, cored, seeded and finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
- 5 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chunky salsa ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 3 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy 10-quart pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, green bell peppers, celery, and garlic powder.
- Cook, stirring until onions are translucent.
- Add ground beef a little at a time, stirring occasionally.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is evenly browned.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, chunky salsa, chopped jalapeno, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring often.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. To save time, use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen onions and peppers. You can also customize the beans by adding black beans or kidney beans for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Vickie's Chili with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Broiled Salisbury Steak for a comforting dinner. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vickie'S Chili contains roughly 2179 calories, with 18g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 213g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (218% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1576mg per serving (69% 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 easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
How can I make the chili vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a mix of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty texture. You can also add more beans or use veggie crumbles. Be sure to check that all canned ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
What can I serve with chili besides cornbread?
Chili can be paired with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with tortilla chips for dipping or over baked potatoes for a filling meal. A side of coleslaw or a simple avocado salad can also complement the flavors nicely.
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).