Tom’s Sweet & Heat Chili Celebrating Our Three Year Anniversary! Thank You For Sharing Our Table!

Ingredients

• 3 lb Ground Beef (lean (80/20) ground beef)
• 2 Vidalia Onion (large, peeled and finely chopped)
• 1.25 oz Chili Seasoning Packet (McCormick brand or any chili seasoning blend)
• 1 tsp Chili Powder (adds extra heat)
• 48 oz Tomato Juice (Red Gold brand preferred; use one full 32‑oz can and half of a second can)
• 8 oz Tomato Sauce (plain tomato sauce)
• 30 oz Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (three 10‑oz cans)
• 3 tbsp White Sugar (scant 1/4 cup; enhances flavor without sweetening)
• 15 oz Chili Beans (drained and rinsed)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

   Peel and finely chop the two Vidalia onions. Measure out the chili seasoning packet, chili powder, sugar, tomato juice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and drain and rinse the chili beans.

   Time: PT15M

2. Brown Beef and Onions

   Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions. Break up the meat with a spatula spoon, mashing and stirring until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains.

   Time: PT10M

3. Drain Grease

   Line the sink with a sheet of aluminum foil, place the strainer on top, and carefully pour the hot grease‑laden meat into the strainer. Let the grease solidify on the foil, then discard.

   Time: PT5M

4. Add Seasonings and Liquids

   Return the meat to the Dutch oven. Sprinkle in the chili seasoning packet and the teaspoon of chili powder. Stir in the tomato juice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the scant 1/4 cup (≈3 Tbsp) of sugar.

   Time: PT2M

5. Add Beans

   Add the drained and rinsed chili beans to the pot and stir to combine.

   Time: PT3M

6. Simmer the Chili

   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.

   Time: PT45M

7. Serve

   Taste and adjust salt or spice if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot, optionally with grilled cheese sandwiches or cornbread.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

5 g