I'm a new fan of chili and this recipe is responsible for my change of heart. In the past, I would shy away from chili because it just wasn't appealing to me. Although I would eat beans in other similar dishes (think Taco Soup) I would always use my dislike for them as my excuse for not eating chili. Weird, I know.
The real reason probably lies within the fact that I just never tried good chili. Now that I've had this dish, I can honestly say I love chili. Love is a strong word, so that should tell you a lot about this recipe. I first had it over Thanksgiving vacation after my friend picked me up from the airport and made it for dinner. Before we arrived to her home, she explained it was our mutual guy friend's recipe, which immediately piqued my curiosity. I'm always intrigued when a male shares a recipe! 😉
Later that night, I called Ben to tell him how much I like chili now, knowing he'll be pleased that I'll finally start making it at home. I was super excited to also reveal that it was our friend's recipe, but when I did he wasn't surprised at all. In fact, he went on to tell ME that he had our friend's chili already during guy's poker night a while back and loved it! To me, that was further inspiration to start making this pot of yummy goodness at home.
The great thing about chili is that anything goes! (Which is ironic for me to say, because I'm pretty sure that might be the other real reason I didn't like chili in the first place. Anything goes?? Yikes!) What I mean is, you can alter it to your tastes, including the flavor, meatiness, heat, etc. For example, our friend who shared the recipe said that he will sometimes dice up some jalapeno's or shake in an extra dash of red pepper for a little more spice.
This recipe calls for Ranch Style Beans that are very popular in Texas, where our friend is originally from. Apparently these are not easily available in some places, but they are plentiful here in SoCal. I took a photo of them so you know what to look for. If you can't find them on your shelf, any chili beans will do. However, it was recommended to use Bush's medium heat chili beans for the most flavor IF the Ranch Style Beans are not available.
Although I'm enjoying sunny and 70 degree weather right now, I know there are many of you ready to escape the cold blistery winter by indulging in a nice hot cup of this chili. I've been there and done that for 20+ years. Just don't have to do it anymore! 🙂 Enjoy!
Spicy Chili
Printable Recipe
Yield: 6-8 servings
2 lb ground beef
2-3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1 can Ranch Style Beans, undrained
2 cups water
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon ground cayenne red pepper
Saute' the ground beef, garlic and onion in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Cook until beef is browned, then drain extra grease. Mix in the beans and remaining ingredients. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 1 hour.
Make-Ahead (Crock Pot): You can also cook this in a crock pot for 6 to 8 hours. I prefer the crock pot method by browning the meat and dicing the onions ahead of time then storing in the freezer. When the day comes that I'm ready to make chili, I throw the meat and onions into the pot with the rest of the ingredients then forget about it until dinner.
Source: Brian Wiese, friend of Pennies on a Platter
(This month we are giving back to the King family. Visit Pennies on a Platter from January 1st to 31st to increase the blog hits which will in turn raise more money for Veronica and her children. Please read this post for more information. You may also make a monetary donation by clicking on the PayPal button in the left hand column above.)
L says
Just wanted to say that I've made this recipe three times since I found it a few weeks ago, and I LOVE it (and so does everyone who tries it). Replacing the water with a bottle of Corona works too. (:
lo says
I love chili- thanks for giving me a craving. I know what I'll be having for dinner tonight!
Melissa @ Made in Melissa's Kitchen says
Whenever we have traditional meat chili, my husband always makes it. I am trying to convince that we should try a new recipe, but he won't budge! Maybe I will just make this recipe one day and not give him the choice, it looks delicious!
Kelly says
Just made this tonight. Very, very tasty! I froze some as well and hope that will turn out good later on. Being a Texan also, it's pretty funny to me to think there might be people out there that don't know about Ranch Style Beans??!! 🙂 Found your blog b/c of the fundraiser and now have you on my recipe reader!
Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) says
I love chili! Great looking recipe!
Crepes of Wrath says
With the 15 inches of snow we've got here in NYC, I could definitely use a nice, warm bowl of spicy chili right about now!
Melissa says
When I was about 4, I decided that kidney beans looked like june bugs and refused to eat the chili that my parents made because of it. I'm in my 30s now and can finally eat chili again because my DH made it for me with pinto beans. YUM! I am now addicted to chili after all these years.
farida says
That look so delicious and the chilli is spicy so you need to drink much water.
farida
https://chillichild.blogspot.com
KeepItSweet says
I am always afraid to try a new chili recipe because I love the one I have eaten forever. This does look good, though!!
banking offshore says
Preparing their favorite ranch hand chili is a way of letting my family know that I love them.
Shannon says
I love chili! One way I've made mine to give it a little more umph is to put sausage in it instead of ground beef. Mmmmmmm!
Sharon says
Side note: There are only a few days left of January and clicking to raise money for Veronica. Is there any way you could tell us how much has been raised so far? And to boost the last few days we could see how much has been raised in total. People tend to poop out or forget after a week or so. So a reminder may be a good idea.
Click Click Click.
I am postive that you have also gained yourself some permanant followers too!
Pennies on a Platter says
Hi Sharon,
I usually post a reminder at the end of the recipe, and forgot this time. ( Just added it.) Unfortunately, I do not even know how has been raised and will not know until a few days after month close. I've been using my FB fan page to remind everyone to visit and will post another one today. I will post the results as soon as I know myself, which should be sometime next week. We're doing well! Thanks for caring and participating! 🙂
-Nikki
Liz @ Blog is the New Black says
LOVE chili- this looks wonderful!