THE BEST HOMEMADE CHILI
(Quick & Simple)

A hearty and flavorful chili, perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends or tailgating. It’s packed with protein, beans, and vegetables, making it both nutritious and delicious. The combination of spices and slow simmering brings out the rich flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick and simple to prepare!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 3 cans beans (Bush’s preferred):
    1 can Great Northern Beans
    1 can Chili Beans
    1 can Dark Red Kidney Beans
  • 46 oz. can Sacramento Tomato Juice (or V8 Vegetable Juice)
  • 1 chili seasoning packet
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped (divided)
  • 1 can Hunt’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 can Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes With Roasted Garlic
  • 1 green pepper, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped (divided)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, start browning the ground beef over medium heat. Add half of the chopped yellow onion, half of the chopped celery, and the diced green pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender.
  2. Combine ingredients: While the beef is browning, combine all the beans, tomato juice, chili seasoning packet, chili powder, garlic powder, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and diced tomatoes with roasted garlic in a large pot. Set the pot on high heat.
  3. Add beef mixture: Once the ground beef is browned, add it to the pot with the chili mix. Stir well to combine.
  4. Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer on medium heat for 30 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an additional hour. The chili will be ready to serve after the initial 30 minutes, but cooking it longer will enhance the flavors.

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

  • diced tomatoes
  • chopped avocado
  • diced red onion
  • sliced scallions
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • crumbled queso fresco
  • sliced jalapeño chiles
  • chopped fresh cilantro
  • Frank’s RedHot Original Pepper Sauce or Tobasco
  • lime wedges
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • saltine crackers
  • oyster crackers
  • tortilla chips or strips
  • Fritos
  • black olives
  • green onion
  • diced white onion
  • Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • Serrano peppers
  • red pepper flakes
  • banana pepper rings

Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking.

Recipe compliments of Matt and Viking Village Foods, Reedsburg.

Recipe Disclaimer