Heartwarming Midwest Chili
Savor the rich, hearty flavors of this Heartwarming Midwest Chili, a beloved comfort food that combines ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and robust spices. Perfect for chilly nights, this dish is a delightful blend of kidney beans, whole tomatoes, and a hint of sweetness, creating a wonderfully balanced taste. It's ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends. Simmered to perfection, this chili is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy it with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal.
6
Servings
479
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
onion
1 (diced)
celery
2 stalks (diced)
tomato paste
6 ounces (none)
kidney beans or chili beans
16 ounces (do not rinse or drain)
V8 vegetable juice
12 ounces (none)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
whole tomatoes
32 ounces (cut into chunks)
water
4 cups (none)
elbow macaroni
1 cup (raw)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Add the diced onion and celery to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the meat.
2
Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the tomato paste, kidney or chili beans (with liquid), V8 vegetable juice, salt, sugar, black pepper, chili powder, and the chunked whole tomatoes along with their juice. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
3
Add 4 cups of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to enhance the flavors.
4
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the macaroni according to package directions in a separate pot of lightly salted water. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set aside.
5
After the chili has simmered, stir in the cooked macaroni into the chili mixture. Allow it to simmer for an additional 15 to 30 minutes to meld the flavors together before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
26g
Fat
31g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heartwarming Midwest Chili?
Heartwarming Midwest Chili is a rich, hearty comfort food combining ground beef, kidney beans, whole tomatoes, and elbow macaroni in a savory, slightly sweet base.
What kind of beef should I use?
One pound of ground beef is used; lean or regular works well, provided you drain the excess fat after browning.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner protein option.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 satisfying servings.
What are the main vegetables in this chili?
The recipe includes diced onion, celery, and whole tomatoes, plus the vegetable blend found in V8 juice.
Do I need to drain the kidney beans?
No, do not rinse or drain the beans; the liquid from the can is added to the pot to enhance the flavor and consistency.
What kind of beans are best for this recipe?
You can use 16 ounces of either kidney beans or chili beans depending on your personal preference.
Is V8 vegetable juice necessary?
V8 juice provides a unique depth of flavor and a blend of vegetable nutrients that defines this specific recipe's base.
Can I use tomato juice instead of V8?
Yes, tomato juice can be used as a substitute if V8 vegetable juice is unavailable.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should simmer on low heat for at least 3 hours to properly develop the flavors and tenderize the ingredients.
Why do I need to add sugar to the chili?
Sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes and V8 juice, creating a more well-rounded flavor profile.
Is this chili spicy?
This recipe is relatively mild, using only 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder. You can increase the amount if you prefer more heat.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and onions first, then combine all ingredients except the macaroni in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours.
How do I prepare the whole tomatoes?
The 32 ounces of whole tomatoes should be cut into chunks before being added to the pot with their juice.
When should I cook the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni in a separate pot about 30 minutes before you plan to serve the chili.
Can I cook the macaroni directly in the chili?
It is best to cook the pasta separately and stir it in at the end to ensure it reaches the correct texture without absorbing too much liquid.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of raw elbow macaroni.
How much water is added to the pot?
Add 4 cups of water to the Dutch oven before starting the long simmer.
What should I serve with Midwest Chili?
This chili is excellent served with a side of cornbread or ladled over a bed of white rice.
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, the chili base freezes well for up to 3 months. For the best texture, freeze the chili without the macaroni and add fresh pasta when reheating.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 479 calories per serving.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans and ensure the V8 juice is vegetarian-friendly.
What makes it 'Midwest' style?
Midwest chili is often characterized by the addition of elbow macaroni and a mild, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of tomato paste?
Tomato paste is used for thickness; if you use sauce, you may need to reduce the water to maintain the desired consistency.
What size Dutch oven do I need?
A large Dutch oven (at least 5-6 quarts) is recommended to hold the meat, vegetables, and 4 cups of water.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free macaroni and verifying that all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables like bell peppers?
Yes, diced bell peppers, carrots, or even corn make great additions to this hearty chili.
What is the preparation time?
Active preparation takes about 20 minutes, with a 3-hour simmer and a final 15-30 minute meld time.
Can I reduce the simmering time?
While you can eat it sooner, the 3-hour simmer is essential for the meat to tenderize and the flavors to fully integrate.