Wild Bill'S Hillbilly Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili featuring ground beef, tomatoes, green peppers, and spices, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 to 5 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 4 (16 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 large can (32 oz.) chili beans ⓘ
- 2 small cans (6 oz.) green chili peppers ⓘ
- 1 large can (32 oz.) peeled whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 clove fresh garlic ⓘ
- 4 pkg. small franks ⓘ
- chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Start the sauce in a large pot. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, and chili beans. Cook on low.
- Small dice the green bell pepper, onion, green chili peppers, tomatoes, and garlic.
- Sauté the diced vegetables and garlic in butter until almost clear, but not brown.
- Drain the sautéed vegetables and add them to the sauce.
- Brown the ground beef in a large pan, drain well, and add to the sauce.
- Cook the chili on low for 45 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the brown sugar to the chili.
- Cook for another 20 minutes and then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chili, consider adding cayenne pepper or jalapeños. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Use low-sodium tomato products to reduce salt content. Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the flavor profile. To save time, pre-chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge the day before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions add a nice touch. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Steak In Pepper Cream for a comforting dinner. For an even heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some tortilla chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and consume within 3 months. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water for moisture if necessary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Bill'S Hillbilly Chili contains roughly 818 calories, with 29g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1809mg per serving (79% 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?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully and can be a great option for busy days.
What kind of beans can I use in this chili?
While the recipe calls for chili beans, you can easily substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. Just ensure they are cooked or canned for convenience. Mixing different beans adds texture and flavor, making your chili even more delicious.
How can I thicken my chili if it’s too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it up. Alternatively, adding a small amount of masa harina can enhance the flavor while thickening 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).