Hearty Lodge-Style Chili Delight
This Hearty Lodge-Style Chili Delight is a beloved recipe that I crafted for a broker luncheon during the chilly Harmattan season in Denver. Instantly a crowd-pleaser, this rich and flavorful chili is packed with savory ground chuck, zesty tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices that warm the soul. The secret to achieving its award-winning taste lies in the 'low and slow' cooking method—allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. If your chili thickens too much, simply stir in some beef broth for a perfect consistency that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it with cornbread or over a steaming bed of rice for the ultimate comfort dish. Your family and guests will rave about it!
10
Servings
350
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground chuck
3 lbs (browned)
Onions
2 (chopped)
Tomato sauce
30 ounces (none)
Ro-Tel tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can (none)
Chili beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained)
Chili powder
4-6 tablespoons (none)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
Garlic powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
Paprika
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground chuck over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and continue to sauté until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3
Reduce the heat to low and add the tomato sauce, Ro-Tel tomatoes (with juice), chili beans (drained), chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, and paprika.
4
Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
Cover the pot and let the chili simmer on low heat for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally. For best results, allow it to cook for up to 5 hours.
6
If the chili becomes too thick during cooking, gradually add beef broth until the desired consistency is reached.
7
Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
28g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Lodge-Style Chili Delight?
Hearty Lodge-Style Chili Delight is a rich and flavorful chili recipe featuring ground chuck, zesty tomatoes, and a specific blend of warming spices.
What is the secret to making this award-winning chili?
The secret to its award-winning taste is the 'low and slow' cooking method, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
How many servings does this chili recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What type of meat is recommended for this chili?
The recipe calls for 3 pounds of ground chuck.
How long should I brown the ground chuck?
Brown the meat over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes until it is cooked through.
How should I prepare the onions for the chili?
The onions should be chopped and sautéed with the meat for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent.
Should I drain the fat after browning the meat?
Yes, you should drain the excess fat from the pot if necessary after browning the meat and onions.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 30 ounces of tomato sauce and one 10-ounce can of Ro-Tel tomatoes.
Do I need to drain the Ro-Tel tomatoes?
No, you should add the Ro-Tel tomatoes with their juice into the pot.
Should the chili beans be drained before adding them?
Yes, the two 15-ounce cans of chili beans should be drained before being added to the mixture.
How much chili powder is required?
The recipe suggests using between 4 to 6 tablespoons of chili powder depending on your preference.
What other spices are used in the Hearty Lodge-Style Chili?
In addition to chili powder, the recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, and paprika.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should simmer on low heat for at least 3 hours, though 5 hours is recommended for the best results.
What should I do if the chili becomes too thick while simmering?
If the chili thickens too much, gradually stir in some beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
What are some recommended toppings for this chili?
You can top the chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or fresh cilantro.
What can I serve with this chili for a complete meal?
It is excellent served with cornbread or over a steaming bed of rice.
How many calories are in one serving of this chili?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 21 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in a single serving?
A single serving contains 21 grams of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The total carbohydrate count is 28 grams per serving.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
Is there any heat or spice in this chili?
Yes, it contains zesty Ro-Tel tomatoes, chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.
What kind of cooking vessel should I use?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for preparing this chili.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground chuck?
Yes, ground beef can be used, though ground chuck is specified for its flavor and fat content.
How many onions do I need?
You will need 2 onions, chopped.
Is this a good recipe for a large group?
Yes, it was originally crafted for a broker luncheon and serves 10 people, making it great for gatherings.
What season is this chili especially good for?
It was designed for the chilly Harmattan season in Denver, making it perfect for cold weather.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
Do I need to stir the chili while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the chili occasionally while it simmers on low heat.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 11 primary ingredients in this recipe, excluding optional toppings and broth.