Grandma Mimi's Signature Texas Chili
This delightful Texas chili recipe from my beloved grandmother, Mimi, is a crowd-pleaser that redefines what chili can be. With a subtle zing and just the right balance of flavors, this chili is perfect for chilly nights or as a topping for chili dogs, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. While I must admit I'm not a huge fan of chili, Mimi's version has won my heart and taste buds. It's easy to prepare, and I promise you'll love it as much as I do!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
4 tablespoons (none)
Diced onion
1 cup (none)
Diced garlic clove
1 clove (none)
Chili powder
3 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
Sugar
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground beef
1 lb (none)
Canned tomatoes
2 cups (diced or crushed)
Water
1/4 cup (none)
Diced celery
1 cup (optional)
Diced green bell pepper
1 cup (none)
Showboat brand beans
1 (16 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Red kidney beans
1-2 cups (drained and rinsed)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper (and celery, if using) to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
3
Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture. Return the pot to the heat.
4
Stir in the canned tomatoes, water, chili powder, salt, sugar, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well to combine.
5
Add the Showboat beans and the red kidney beans to the pot, stirring them into the mixture.
6
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
25
Carbs
17.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma Mimi's Signature Texas Chili?
Grandma Mimi's Signature Texas Chili is a delightful and hearty recipe with a subtle zing and balanced flavors, perfect for chilly nights or as a topping for chili dogs.
How many calories are in a serving of this chili?
Each serving of this Texas chili contains approximately 300 calories.
What are the primary ingredients in Grandma Mimi's chili?
The main ingredients include ground beef, olive oil, diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, canned tomatoes, Showboat brand beans, and red kidney beans.
How much protein does this chili provide?
This recipe provides 17.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is this chili recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that is perfect for anyone, even those who aren't typically fans of chili.
Can I use this chili as a condiment?
Absolutely, it is specifically recommended as an excellent topping for chili dogs.
What kind of beans are used in this Texas chili?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of Showboat brand beans and 1-2 cups of red kidney beans.
How long should the chili simmer?
The chili should be covered and simmered for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What type of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef.
What is the fat content of this chili?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
Are there any optional ingredients I can add?
Yes, adding 1 cup of diced celery is an optional way to enhance the vegetable base.
What spices are used to season the chili?
The seasoning includes chili powder, salt, sugar, black pepper, and cumin.
How much chili powder is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of chili powder.
Do I need to drain the beef after cooking?
Yes, the instructions specify to drain any excess fat from the meat mixture after browning the beef.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the beans be prepared in any specific way?
Both the Showboat brand beans and the red kidney beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the pot.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
The vegetables should be sautéed for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and the onion is translucent.
Is sugar used in this chili recipe?
Yes, 1-2 teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the flavors of the spices.
What kind of oil should I use to start the chili?
The recipe recommends using 4 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
How many cups of canned tomatoes are needed?
You will need 2 cups of canned tomatoes, which can be either diced or crushed.
Does the recipe contain cumin?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of cumin to add depth to the flavor.
What should I do if the chili is too thick?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of water, but you can adjust the consistency by stirring during the simmering process.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper levels?
Yes, the salt (1-2 teaspoons) and sugar are listed 'to taste' so you can adjust them before serving.
What type of bell pepper is used?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of diced green bell pepper.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include texas chili, ground beef, comfort food, easy recipe, and family recipe.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 diced garlic clove.
Is this a good recipe for large gatherings?
Yes, because it is described as a crowd-pleaser and is easy to prepare in large batches.
What is the first step in making this chili?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
Why is it important to simmer the chili?
Simmering allows the different ingredients and spices to meld together for a more cohesive flavor.
How should this chili be served?
It should be served warm after the seasonings have been adjusted to your preference.