Prep Time- 30 min | Cook Time- 2 hours | Makes 6+ Servings
This spectacular fan-favorite recipe has won the hearts (and stomachs!) of friends, family, and coworkers over the years.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 large Onion– diced
- 2+ large Jalapenos– de-ribbed and diced (used some ribs and seeds for extra heat!)
- 5 cloves Garlic– minced
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 lb Ground Pork
- 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2.5 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 2 Tbsp Cumin
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- .5 tsp Black Pepper
- .25 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 15 oz can Petite Diced Tomato
- 8 oz can Tomato Sauce
- 16 oz Kidney beans – rinsed (add a 2nd can per bean/meat ratio preference)
- 1.5 Cups low/no sodium Beef Broth
- OPTIONAL SECRET INGREDIENT- 2 Tbsp Powdered Milk
* See notes at the bottom for ingredient alternatives and other ideas!
Instructions:
1- Gather all ingredients. Dice all necessary ingredients.
2- In a soup pot, melt the Butter and sauté the Onion and Jalapeno for 7 minutes until softened. Add the Garlic and cook for 3 more minutes stirring continuously.
3- Add the Ground Beef and Pork, and the Vinegar. Break up the meats with a sturdy spoon or spatula (I use a wooden spoon) and cook until browned.
4- Add all the spices and mix well. Add the Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, and Broth. Mix well and let it come to a boil. Add the Beans and Powdered Milk and reduce heat. The powdered milk give this recipe just a little bit of creaminess to cut through the acidity from the tomatoes and vinegar without adding anymore moisture. You can omit the powdered milk and still get a truly spectacular chili 🙂
5- Let the pot simmer without a lid for a minimum of 1 hour- but preferably for 2 hours. Stir the pot well every 30 minutes or so.
NOTES:
OOH LA LA– I spent years perfecting this recipe and it is best loved with a side of baguette or cornbread; or enjoy over rice or pasta (Cincinnati style!); top with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, etc.
ALTERNATIVES– You can omit the powdered milk; you can adjust all the spices to your preference; you can use green bell pepper instead of jalapeno and omit the cayenne pepper if you really don’t want any heat; you can add, reduce, or remove the beans or use a different kind of bean altogether; you can use whatever ground meat you like- I’ve used meatloaf mix and its come out well. I’m sure ground turkey will taste great too!
