Sweet and Spicy Ground Beef Chili Recipe

Cook Time: 100 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 pounds ground beef
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 (12 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
• 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bunch celery, chopped
• 1 yellow onions, finely chopped
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 (29 ounce) can light red kidney beans, undrained
• 1 (29 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, undrained

Directions

Step 1: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Cook the beef in batches, stirring occasionally, until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes per batch. Transfer the cooked beef to a colander to drain and then place it in a large bowl. Discard the grease from the skillet between batches.

Step 2: While the beef is cooking, place the stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, sugar, and garlic salt into a food processor. Blend the ingredients until smooth.

Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a 16-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, onions, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, jalapenos, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions become translucent.

Step 4: Add the reserved beef, the stewed tomato mixture, and the undrained light and dark red kidney beans to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	341	17%
Total Fat	19g	24%
Saturated Fat	7g	36%
Cholesterol	70mg	23%
Sodium	591mg	26%
Total Carbohydrate	20g	7%
Dietary Fiber	6g	21%
Total Sugars	6g	-
Protein	24g	47%
Vitamin C	23mg	26%
Calcium	66mg	5%
Iron	4mg	23%
Potassium	593mg	13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information may not be available for all ingredients. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.

This sweet and spicy chili made with ground beef, kidney beans, and tomatoes is perfect for your next party or tailgate. Serve it as a main dish or an appetizer with chips.

Origin of the Chili

The origins of chili are rooted in the cultural blend of indigenous and Spanish cuisines in the southwestern United States. Chili, especially in its beef-based forms, emerged in Texas in the 1800s, evolving over time into a regional staple with a variety of regional influences. The sweet and spicy variant of chili combines the earthy heat of chili peppers with a touch of sweetness, making it a comforting dish suitable for any occasion. Over the years, chili has become a beloved part of American food culture, often featured at gatherings and events, such as chili cook-offs and tailgates.

Regional Characteristics

While chili has many variations across different states, the sweet and spicy version stands out with its balanced use of sugar and chili powder. Typically associated with Texas and other southwestern regions, this style of chili is a bit sweeter than the traditional Texas chili, which tends to be more savory and spicy. The combination of kidney beans and ground beef is also a hallmark of this variation, offering both texture and depth to the dish. In contrast, more traditional chili might focus on beef alone or use different types of beans, such as pinto beans.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Sweet and spicy ground beef chili differs from other chili recipes mainly in its inclusion of sugar and the specific use of both light and dark kidney beans. The sweetness complements the spiciness of the chili, giving the dish a unique flavor profile compared to other popular chili variations, such as Cincinnati chili, which uses cinnamon and chocolate, or the more traditional, heavily spiced Texas-style chili that often avoids beans altogether. This recipes choice of ingredients and balanced spice level make it a distinctive and approachable option for those looking for something hearty yet flavorful.

Where It's Typically Served

This sweet and spicy chili is commonly served at casual gatherings such as parties, barbecues, and tailgates. Its the perfect dish for sharing, offering a satisfying, hearty meal that is both filling and flavorful. Additionally, this dish works well as a comforting weeknight dinner or as an appetizer when served with tortilla chips. Chili is also often paired with cornbread or served with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, allowing guests to customize their meal to their liking.

Interesting Facts

• The first chili cook-off was held in 1952 in Terlingua, Texas, and it has since become a major annual event.
• Chili was once considered a "poverty dish" because it was made with inexpensive ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and meat.
• In Texas, chili is considered the state dish, and a legal dispute in the 1970s even ruled that "no beans" was a defining characteristic of Texas chili. However, variations with beans, such as this sweet and spicy version, are still widely enjoyed.
• Chili has been used in many ways throughout history: from a comforting family meal to a competitive sport. There are chili festivals and competitions across the United States, where participants show off their culinary skills in crafting the perfect pot of chili.

FAQ about Sweet and Spicy Ground Beef Chili Recipe