by Ken Jagodzinski
As demonstrated at the 10/5/25 Gourmet Club Meeting.
Makes: 12 portions. Preparation time: 3 hours, 25 minutes.
- 2 lbs. Ground Beef (85/15 Lean)
- 1 T. Olive Oil
- 1 Large Yellow Onion (Chopped)
- 3 Stalks of Celery (Chopped)
- 1 Jalapeño Pepper (De-Seeded, De-Veined, Diced) (Optional)
- 1 Large Yellow or Red Bell Pepper (Chopped)
- ¼ C. Chili Powder
- 1 T. Ground Cumin
- 1 T. Garlic Powder
- ½ t. Cayenne Pepper
- 1 t. Black Pepper (Season to taste)
- 2 t. Salt (Season to taste)
- 1 (29 oz.) Can Kidney Beans (Do not drain)
- 1 (29 oz.) Can Pinto Beans (Do not drain)
- 1 (29 oz.) Can Tomato Sauce
- 1 (29 oz.) Can Diced Tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz.) Can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (RO*TEL brand)
- 1 C. Water
- 1 T. Butter
In a large pot, cook the Ground Beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain the fat into a skillet and set aside the Beef. Add the Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Chopped Celery and 2 Peppers to the skillet of drained liquid and stir. Cook until the Vegetables are softened (about 5 minutes). Then add this back to the Beef pot. Season with Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt and Pepper to taste and stir well. Add both Beans (with their liquids), Tomato Sauce, both Diced Tomatoes and Water. Mix thoroughly and bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor. Lastly, add the Butter and stir until it is fully incorporated. Adjust the seasoning to your liking with more Salt, Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper for spicier Chili. Chili tastes better the next day, so prepare it the day before serving if possible.
”Cayenne Pepper” - [Pronounced: "Kai'-yen"] This hot Capsicum Pepper [Scoville Scale: 30,000-50,000 units] is a staple in making spicy Chili. It is related to the Bell, Jalapeño and Pimento Peppers. They are red, 4-10 inches long and quite skinny. They're full of Vitamins A and C. The town of Cayenne, French Guiana may have been named after this Pepper, since it originated here in NE part of South America, north of Brazil. One of Porsche's SUV models is a Cayenne. Popular Hot Sauces, like Texas Pete, contain lots of this potent pepper.
