Tom’s Sweet & Heat Chili Celebrating Our Three Year Anniversary! Thank You For Sharing Our Table
Tom’s Sweet & Heat Chili Celebrating Our Three Year Anniversary! Thank You For Sharing Our Table! is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Come Sit At My Table on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 5 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $21.20 total, $3.53 per serving
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
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
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
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
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
Add Beans
Add the drained and rinsed chili beans to the pot and stir to combine.
Time: PT3M
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
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
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, High-Protein
Allergens: Beef, Beans
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground Turkey, Ground Pork
- Instead of Vidalia Onion: Yellow Onion
- Instead of Chili Seasoning Packet: Homemade chili spice mix
- Instead of Chili Powder: Cayenne pepper (use less)
- Instead of Tomato Juice: Crushed tomatoes thinned with water
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Tomato puree
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Regular diced tomatoes plus chopped jalapeño
- Instead of White Sugar: Honey, Agave syrup (use less)
- Instead of Chili Beans: Kidney beans, Pinto beans
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven
- Spatula Spoon
- Aluminum Foil
- Strainer/Sieve
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Can Opener
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground beef until no pink remains
- Drain the grease using the aluminum foil method to avoid sink clogs
- Simmer the chili for at least 45 minutes to concentrate flavors
Chef Tips from the Video
- Mashing the meat with the back of a spoon creates a finer texture that blends better with the sauce.
- Rinsing the beans removes excess sodium and canned liquid that can make the chili soupy.
- A pinch of sugar balances acidity from tomatoes without making the dish sweet.
Troubleshooting
Chili is too watery
Continue simmering uncovered until it reduces to desired thickness.
Chili is too thick
Add a splash of water, broth, or extra tomato juice until the consistency is right.
Flavor is bland
Adjust with more chili seasoning, a pinch more salt, or a dash of hot sauce.
Too spicy
Stir in a little extra sugar or a splash of cream to mellow heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The chili tastes even better the next day; refrigerate and reheat gently.
- Portion and freeze for quick meals; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chili in American cuisine?
Chili has become a staple of American comfort food, especially in the Southwest and Texas, where it originated as a simple stew of meat, chilies, and beans cooked over open fire. Over time it evolved into countless regional variations, reflecting local ingredients and family traditions.
What are the traditional regional variations of chili in the United States?
Texas chili often omits beans and focuses on beef and chilies, while Cincinnati chili adds spices like cinnamon and cocoa. New Mexico chili incorporates Hatch green chilies, and many Midwestern versions include beans and a tomato base like Tom's Sweet and Heat Chili.
How is chili traditionally served in American households during the fall?
In the fall, chili is commonly served hot with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and alongside side dishes like cornbread, biscuits, or a classic grilled cheese sandwich, making it a cozy, warming meal.
What occasions or celebrations is chili traditionally associated with in American culture?
Chili is popular at casual gatherings such as game‑day parties, potlucks, and backyard barbecues, and it’s also a go‑to dish for family dinners during cooler months and holiday seasons like Thanksgiving leftovers.
What makes Tom's Sweet and Heat Chili special or unique in American chili cuisine?
Tom's Sweet and Heat Chili balances mild heat with a subtle sweetness from a scant 1/4 cup of sugar, creating depth without making the dish overtly sweet. The combination of both a chili seasoning packet and extra chili powder gives it a layered spice profile.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic American beef chili versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, onions, chili powder or seasoning, tomatoes (juice, sauce, or diced), and beans. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey or pork for the meat, yellow onions for Vidalia, crushed tomatoes for tomato juice, and any canned beans such as kidney or pinto.
What other American dishes pair well with Tom's Sweet and Heat Chili?
Chili pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches, cornbread, buttery biscuits, or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, serve it over rice or with a baked potato topped with cheese and sour cream.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tom's Sweet and Heat Chili?
Common mistakes include not browning the meat fully, which leaves a raw texture; skipping the grease‑draining step, resulting in a greasy chili; and under‑simmering, which prevents flavors from melding. Also, adding too much sugar can mask the spice.
Why does this chili recipe use both a chili seasoning packet and additional chili powder?
The seasoning packet provides a balanced blend of spices, while the extra teaspoon of chili powder adds an extra kick and depth of flavor, ensuring the chili has a noticeable but not overwhelming heat.
Can I make Tom's Sweet and Heat Chili ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the chili improves after resting. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Come Sit at My Table specialize in?
The YouTube channel Come Sit at My Table specializes in home‑cooked, family‑friendly recipes, often featuring subscriber‑submitted dishes, cooking tutorials, and behind‑the‑scenes stories that celebrate community and faith.
How does the YouTube channel Come Sit at My Table's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Come Sit at My Table focuses on relatable, everyday cooking with a personal touch, emphasizing storytelling, community interaction, and practical tips like the grease‑draining method, rather than high‑production, gourmet techniques seen on many other channels.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
