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Big Batch Homemade Chili - A flavorful, yet mild chili, perfect for parties and gatherings. This chili is a family favorite and serves a crowd!
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Big Batch Homemade Chili

A flavorful, yet mild chili, perfect for parties and gatherings. This chili is a family favorite and serves a crowd!
Servings 20 servings
Calories 339kcal
Author Sara

Ingredients

  • 5 pounds ground beef
  • 6 cups chopped celery cooked
  • 4 cups chopped onion cooked
  • 2 - 16 ounce cans light kidney beans with juice
  • 2 - 28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 2 - 23.2 ounce cans tomato soup
  • 4 cups tomato juice
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2-3 cups ready-cut spaghetti or elbow pasta cooked to al dente optional

Instructions

  • Brown ground beef over medium-high heat in large skillet. Drain in colander.
  • To a large stockpot (I use a 21 quart canner) add ground beef, celery, onion, beans, tomatoes, ketchup, tomato soup, tomato juice, water and seasonings.
  • Simmer for 30 minutes on medium-low, stirring frequently.
  • Boil the pasta following the instructions on the box, until al dente.
  • Add pasta to chili or to individual bowls of soup if not everyone prefers noodles in their chili.

Notes

  1. Balanced Seasoning and Flavors: Taste the chili as it simmers and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. While the recipe provides measurements for chili powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar, individual tastes may vary. Add additional chili powder for more heat, salt for extra flavor, or brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Allow the flavors to meld together during the simmering process, and don't be afraid to customize the seasoning to suit your taste.
  2. Texture and Thickness: If you prefer a thicker chili, consider reducing the amount of liquid added, such as tomato juice or water, or extending the simmering time to allow the chili to thicken naturally. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more liquid to achieve your desired texture. Adjusting the liquid content allows you to tailor the chili to your preferred thickness, ensuring a satisfying eating experience.
  3. Pasta Addition: Adding pasta to chili can be a hearty and satisfying addition, but it's optional and may not be preferred by everyone. If serving the chili with pasta, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls rather than mixing it directly into the entire batch of chili. This allows each person to customize their chili by adding pasta to their liking, ensuring that everyone enjoys their meal. Additionally, cooking the pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy if stored as leftovers.

Nutrition

Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 542mg | Potassium: 542mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 461IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg