★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★
A big pot of chili is perfect food for the cooler months. It's a great dinner or lunch.
Our family loves to make a big pot on weekends. It's a favorite meal for football Sundays. You can make a big pot, put on the game, and everyone can help themselves as they get hungry.
This recipe is inspired by Wendy's chili. I like the flavor and the thick yet soupy broth. I like how they give you a packet of "hot chili sauce" to add.
Secret Ingredient for the Best Chili
This "secret" sauce its actually just white vinegar! Vinegar, when added right before serving, brightens and enhances the spices, really elevating your chili.
★ Tips & FAQs ★
Storing Leftovers
The recipe below makes a big batch. You can double it if you're feeding a large family or you want leftovers for lunch.
I actually make extra because I love making burritos from the leftovers!
If that sounds good to you, check out my recipe for making delicious 5-Minute Cheesy Chili Burritos
This chili freezes well for quick dinners or freeze individual sized servings for lunches. Try freezing in a freezer-safe glass container like this one for easy reheating.
Chili with Beans and Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey or 1lb of each
- 1 onion diced
- 1 rib celery chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped (optional)
- 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 10.75 oz can condensed tomato soup
- 15.5 oz can dark red kidney beans drained
- 15 oz chili beans not drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Spices
Toppings
- shredded cheddar cheese to taste
- chopped red onion to taste
- Frank's hot sauce to taste
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon per bowl
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown turkey and/or beef in a dutch oven with diced onion, celery and green pepper over medium heat. Cook and stir for about 6-10 minutes or until onions are translucent.
- Add tomatoes, beans, and spices. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Cover and simmer on low for a 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
- Spoon into bowls and stir in vinegar right before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced raw onions as desired.
Why would you put Vinegar in your Chili? wouldn't that taste sour?
The vinegar is a personal presence. It adds a brightness to the chili that enhances the flavor. You can try it with and without to see what you prefer.