Jay Pennington’s Just Plain Good Chili

This classic American chili is the definition of comfort food. It starts with a robust base of finely chopped onions, celery, and green peppers, which are sautéed until tender before adding coarsely ground beef. The meat is browned deeply to develop rich flavors, then simmered for hours in a savory blend of tomato paste, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Aromatic spices like chili powder, garlic, and a touch of heat from jalapeños and chile salsa create a complex, warming profile. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a thick, hearty stew that is perfect for cold evenings, family gatherings, or meal prep. It's simple, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.

Cooking Method: Stewing

Cuisine: American

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 16

Calories: 821.1

Dietary: Gluten-free

Description

This classic American chili is the definition of comfort food. It starts with a robust base of finely chopped onions, celery, and green peppers, which are sautéed until tender before adding coarsely ground beef. The meat is browned deeply to develop rich flavors, then simmered for hours in a savory blend of tomato paste, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Aromatic spices like chili powder, garlic, and a touch of heat from jalapeños and chile salsa create a complex, warming profile. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a thick, hearty stew that is perfect for cold evenings, family gatherings, or meal prep. It's simple, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Oil
3 ea Medium onions, finely chopped
2 ea Medium green peppers, finely chopped
3 ea Stalks celery, finely chopped
8 pound Coarsely ground beef
6 ounce Tomato paste
2 can (1lb-13oz) cans stewed tomatoes
2 can (1lb) tomato sauce
1 can (7oz) chile salsa
3 ea Cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 ounce Chili powder
1 ea Medium jalapeno chili, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoon Salt
1 teaspoon Oregano
1 teaspoon Garlic salt
1 teaspoon Coarsely ground pepper

Directions

1
Heat oil in a heavy 2-gallon pot over medium heat, ensuring the bottom is thinly coated.
2
Add the chopped onions, green peppers, and celery to the pot and sauté for 10 minutes until softened.
3
Add the coarsely ground beef and cook for 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned.
4
Stir in the tomato paste, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce, mixing well to combine.
5
Add the chopped garlic, chili powder, salt, oregano, chile salsa, and jalapeno.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
7
Simmer gently for 2.5 hours, stirring every 10-15 minutes to prevent sticking.
8
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional garlic salt and pepper if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 16

Amount Per Serving
Calories 821.1kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 44.0g68%
Saturated Fat 15.1g76%
Cholesterol 177.1mg60%
Sodium 8535.4mg356%
Total Carbohydrate 42.2g15%
Dietary Fiber 15.4g62%
Sugars 11.3g
Protein 68.0g136%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chili, beef, slow cooker, comfort food, american cuisine, ground beef, tomato sauce, spicy, dinner, family meal, meal prep, hearty, protein, vegetables, garlic, onion, celery, green pepper, jalapeno, simmered

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/jay-penningtons-just-plain-good-chili-2/