Justin's Hoosier Chili Recipe

Name: Justin's Hoosier Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 teaspoons ground cumin, divided; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth; 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup (such as Campbell's®); 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 5 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 (15.5 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained; 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Cook Time: 75 minutes

Chili Soup

This hearty chili soup combines ground beef, beans, and a blend of flavorful spices to create a warm, satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Below is the step-by-step guide to prepare this delicious meal.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup (such as Campbell's)
1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
5 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (15.5 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained (Optional)
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Directions

Follow these steps to prepare the chili soup:

Begin by crumbling the ground beef into a soup pot over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until the beef is evenly browned, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain off all but 1 to 2 tablespoons of grease.
Add the chopped onion, 1 teaspoons of cumin, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well and cook until the onion becomes tender, approximately 5 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth, condensed tomato soup, and crushed tomatoes. Season the mixture with chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
If you're using beans, add the drained pinto beans to the soup. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoons of cumin and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
Once the soup has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade chili soup!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Per Serving
Calories	385
Total Fat	13g (17% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	4g (22% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	46mg (15% Daily Value)
Sodium	1585mg (69% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	47g (17% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	11g (41% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	9g
Protein	24g (48% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	67mg (75% Daily Value)
Calcium	137mg (11% Daily Value)
Iron	8mg (42% Daily Value)
Potassium	1113mg (24% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Justin's Hoosier Chili is a flavorful and hearty dish that showcases the essence of American comfort food. This chili recipe is known for its unique blend of ingredients and rich, satisfying taste. It's a perfect dish for a chilly night or any time you need a filling, flavorful meal. But beyond the delicious taste, Justins Hoosier Chili also carries a story, regional influences, and distinctive features that make it stand out from other chili variations.

Origin and History

The origins of chili are somewhat mysterious, with claims from both Mexico and the American Southwest. However, Justin's Hoosier Chili is rooted in Indiana, where "Hoosier" refers to the residents of the state. The dish has become a beloved staple in Indiana kitchens, known for its easy preparation and the use of canned tomato soupa hallmark of many family recipes in the region. The combination of ground beef, beans, and a mix of bold spices has made this chili a regional favorite that represents Midwestern comfort food at its best.

Regional Features of Hoosier Chili

Indiana, and particularly the Hoosier state, has its own unique culinary traditions. While chili is a popular dish throughout the United States, Indianas version, as seen in this recipe, tends to be hearty, with a slightly thicker consistency than other regional chili variations. What sets Hoosier chili apart is its inclusion of tomato soup as a base, which adds a creamy and rich texture thats not commonly found in other chili styles. Additionally, pinto beans are the preferred choice here, though many variations exist, and adding a splash of beer or a beef bouillon cube can personalize the flavor.

How It Differs From Other Chili Recipes

While chili recipes vary widely across regions in the United States, Justins Hoosier Chili has a distinctive blend of ingredients that makes it stand out. Most notably, the use of canned tomato soup is what sets this recipe apart from others. Many chili recipes rely on crushed tomatoes or tomato paste as the base, but the addition of tomato soup provides a creamier, sweeter, and thicker consistency. Furthermore, some chili recipes may feature different types of beans like kidney beans, black beans, or even no beans at all. In this recipe, pinto beans are the star, adding a soft, buttery texture that complements the spicy kick from the chili powder and cayenne pepper.

Where Its Typically Served

Justin's Hoosier Chili is often served as a main dish for dinner, especially during cold weather months. Its a popular dish in homes, community gatherings, and casual cookouts. Its also a favorite for game-day events like the Super Bowl. Typically, the chili is paired with simple accompaniments such as crackers, cornbread, or shredded cheese on top. Some even enjoy it with a side of baked potato or a hearty slice of grilled cheese sandwich for a complete, satisfying meal. The versatility of the dish makes it suitable for both casual family meals and festive occasions.

Interesting Facts About Justin's Hoosier Chili

Justins Hoosier Chili won accolades in chili cook-offs, thanks to its unique ingredients and robust flavor profile.
While the recipe originated in Indiana, it has gained popularity across the United States, with many home cooks adding their own twists, such as different beans, meats, or extra spices.
The use of tomato soup in chili was a common practice in mid-20th century America, reflecting the growing popularity of canned foods.
Chili is often made in large batches, making it perfect for leftovers. It tends to taste even better the next day, as the flavors meld together over time.
Justins Hoosier Chili can be modified to suit different spice preferences, making it adaptable for both mild and spicy chili lovers.

Conclusion

Justins Hoosier Chili is a comforting and delicious dish that carries with it the heart of Indianas culinary traditions. From its creamy tomato soup base to its flavorful blend of spices and beans, it offers a unique take on a classic American dish. Whether youre making it for a family dinner, a cookout, or a chili cook-off, Justins Hoosier Chili is sure to satisfy your cravings and become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.

FAQ about Justin's Hoosier Chili Recipe

Leftover chili should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.

Yes, you can prepare the chili a day or two ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, ground pork, or even ground chicken for the beef. The taste will vary slightly, but it should still be delicious. You may need to adjust the cooking times depending on the meat used.

If your chili is too thick, you can add more liquid to achieve the desired consistency. You can use additional broth, water, or even beer for extra flavor. Add a little at a time and simmer until it reaches the right thickness.

Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and onions on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chili is hot and flavors have melded. Adjust seasoning as needed.

To add more heat to your chili, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chili powder. If you prefer a more complex heat, you can also add fresh diced jalapeños or other hot peppers to the mix.

Yes, you can substitute pinto beans with other types of beans like kidney beans, black beans, or even chickpeas, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

If the chili is too soupy, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash a portion of the beans to thicken the chili without losing the texture.

This chili pairs well with a variety of sides. Common accompaniments include cornbread, crackers, rice, or a slice of warm crusty bread. You can also top it with cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños for added flavor.

Yes, you can freeze this chili. After cooling, transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Comments

Pamela Evans

11/12/2022 04:51:08 AM

This chili recipe is absolutely fantastic! I made a few tweaks by using 1/3 cup of chicken broth, reducing the salt slightly, and including 4 cloves of crushed garlic. The consistency is just right - not too thick, which is perfect for me as I'm not a fan of overly dense chili.

Brenda Mitchell

07/21/2023 06:36:16 AM

Won multiple chili cook-offs using this recipe in Illinois.

Nathan Hall

10/14/2022 12:46:26 AM

The first time I made this dish, it turned out a bit too thin for our taste. Now, the only adjustment I make is using half the amount of broth. We absolutely adore it - it has become a staple in our household.

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Justin's Hoosier Chili Recipe