Champion's Homestyle Chili
This hearty and savory chili is a family heirloom, passed down from my mother who has refined it over countless cook-offs. Featuring a perfect balance of spices and rich flavors, this dish not only stands out in competitions but also makes for a comforting meal. It's great served on its own or with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it an ideal choice for meal prep lunches or quick snacks throughout the week.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1.5-2 lbs (browned and drained)
green pepper
1 (diced)
onion
1 (diced)
garlic
1 head (minced)
diced tomatoes
4 (14.5 ounce) cans (drained)
chili beans
2 (14.5 ounce) cans (drained)
chili powder
1/2 cup (none)
thyme
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
cayenne pepper
1/16-1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat after cooking.
2
While the beef is cooking, prepare the vegetables: dice the green pepper and onion, and mince the garlic.
3
Once the meat is browned, add the diced vegetables and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4
Stir in the diced or crushed tomatoes, chili beans, chili powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
For the best flavor, allow the chili to rest overnight and reheat it the next day.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Champion's Homestyle Chili?
It is a hearty and savory family heirloom chili recipe, passed down from the creator's mother and refined through numerous cook-offs.
Who created this chili recipe?
The recipe was developed and perfected by the mother of the recipe sharer over many years of competition.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What type of meat is used in this chili?
The recipe uses 1.5 to 2 pounds of ground beef.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for one full head of garlic, minced.
What vegetables are included in the ingredients?
The ingredients include one green pepper, one onion, and a head of garlic.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should simmer on low heat for about 3 hours.
What is the secret to the best flavor for this chili?
For the best flavor, allow the chili to rest overnight and reheat it the next day.
Is this chili recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for meal prep as it reheats beautifully for lunches or snacks.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses two 14.5-ounce cans of chili beans, drained.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chili powder.
Is this chili spicy?
Yes, it is described as having a perfect balance of spices and is tagged as spicy, containing both chili powder and cayenne pepper.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
You can adjust the heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper, which is suggested at 1/16 to 1/8 teaspoon to taste.
Should the ground beef be drained?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies using four 14.5-ounce cans of drained diced tomatoes.
What are the recommended toppings for this chili?
Common recommended toppings include cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the diced green pepper, onion, and minced garlic for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
What other seasonings are included besides chili powder?
The seasoning blend includes dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of diced?
Yes, the instructions allow for either diced or crushed tomatoes.
At what heat should I brown the meat?
The ground beef should be browned over medium heat.
Should I cover the pot while simmering?
Yes, the instructions state to cover the pot after reducing the heat to low.
How often should I stir the chili while it simmers?
You should stir the chili occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
While the main recipe uses beef, it is tagged with 'vegetarian option,' suggesting meat can be substituted with plant-based alternatives.
How much thyme is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How many cans of tomatoes are needed?
You will need four 14.5-ounce cans of diced or crushed tomatoes.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be diced before being added to the pot.
Can I serve this chili immediately?
Yes, but for optimal flavor, it is recommended to let it rest overnight.
What makes this a 'Champion' chili?
It is described as a cook-off winner that stands out in competitions due to its rich flavor and balanced spices.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size in weight or volume is not specified, but the recipe makes 12 servings.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include chili, homemade, hearty, comfort food, meal prep, family recipe, winner, spicy, ground beef, and vegetarian option.