Darn Good Chili
There are so many variations to chili. I searched high and low for the "right" recipe and never quite found what I was looking for. That's when I went to work! Here is my recipe, with all of the necessary tips and tricks for a perfectly balanced chili. When I dropped off a container for my Dad to try, he called and said, "WOW, that is some darn good chili!!!" That's when I knew I had it just right:)
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1.25 lb. ground beef (or venison)
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium green bell peppers, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 2 small onions, diced
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce
- 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), juice and all
- Two 10.5 oz. cans condensed tomato soup
- 12 oz. non-alcoholic beer
- 1 c. water
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. ground ancho chili powder
- ¼ tsp. smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp. baking cocoa
- 15 oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Garnish/Toppings (optional)
- freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- hot sauce
- fresh jalapeño
- noodles (see note below)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with fresh garlic on medium heat until no longer pink. Drain grease and set meat aside. Sprinkle with ½ tsp. of the salt and the black pepper. If you're using venison instead of beef, heat 2 tbsp. olive oil in pan prior to browning, do not drain as there will be little fat.
- Heat butter in large pot on medium heat until melted and just starting to bubble. Add onion, celery, and green pepper. Cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the remaining 1 tsp. salt and all of the other ingredients with the exception of the beans and cooked meat. Do not add garnish/toppings either...do I need to say that? Better safe than sorry;)
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Add cooked meat and beans to the pot, cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with the toppings of your choice!
Notes
- If you like your chili spicy, add ¼ tsp. (or more) ground cayenne pepper with the other spices.
- It is important to wait until the end to add the beans and cooked meat, if you cook them too long the beans can break down and the meat turns to a grainy texture.
- If you like noodles in your chili: Add 1 tbsp. of salt to a large pot of water, bring to a boil, add noodles and cook to al dente. Keep the noodles separate from the chili until ready to serve (this helps keep the noodles from turning to mush).
I love watching Fox 11 Living with Jyll and Amy and when you appear on the show it makes it even more delightful to watch. You add such a sweet note to an already wonderful show. Your recipes are amazing and look incredibly delicious.
I really enjoy your stories that go along with your yummy recipes.
Keep on sharing your recipes and stories that bring joy to so many of us.