Best 8 Grandpa Johnsons Ward Chili Con Carne Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Grandpa Johnson's World-Famous Chili Con Carne: A Culinary Journey through Time and Taste**

In the heart of Texas, where culinary traditions run deep and flavors dance on the palate, there exists a chili con carne recipe that has captivated taste buds for generations. Grandpa Johnson's World-Famous Chili Con Carne is not just a dish; it's a legacy passed down from one generation to the next, a testament to the enduring power of simple, yet extraordinary cooking. This hearty and flavorful chili, with its symphony of spices, tender beef, and a secret ingredient that adds a touch of magic, has become a beloved staple in kitchens across the globe.

**Embark on a culinary adventure with Grandpa Johnson's Chili Con Carne, where each recipe offers a unique twist on this classic dish:**

- **Classic Chili Con Carne:** Experience the original recipe that started it all. This traditional version features ground beef, a blend of chili powders, tomatoes, and a touch of heat that warms the soul without overpowering the palate.

- **White Chicken Chili:** For a lighter and healthier take on chili, try the White Chicken Chili. With tender chicken, white beans, and a creamy broth infused with spices, this chili is a delightful departure from the traditional beef-based version.

- **Vegetarian Chili:** Embracing the diversity of dietary preferences, the Vegetarian Chili is a flavorful and satisfying option for those who prefer a plant-based diet. Packed with wholesome vegetables, beans, and a rich tomato broth, this chili is a hearty and nutritious meal.

- **Three-Bean Chili:** For those who love the heartiness of beans, the Three-Bean Chili is a must-try. Kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans join forces in this chili, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

- **Turkey Chili:** Offering a leaner alternative to beef, the Turkey Chili is a healthier choice that doesn't compromise on taste. Ground turkey, a blend of chili powders, and a hint of smokiness come together to create a chili that is both delicious and guilt-free.

Each recipe in this collection pays homage to Grandpa Johnson's legacy while adding a unique touch that reflects the diverse culinary landscape of today. Whether you prefer the classic beef chili, a lighter chicken or vegetarian version, or a hearty three-bean or turkey chili, Grandpa Johnson's Chili Con Carne has a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

AWARD WINNING CHILI CON CARNE



Award Winning Chili Con Carne image

This chili recipe is many years in the making and I have won several awards with it. I think you'll be pleased with it. You can alter it to your own spice levels to achieve your perfect chili. Garnish with shredded mozzarella cheese, and use corn chips for dipping.

Provided by CHEFJIMMY

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes     Beef Chili Recipes

Time 2h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 22

4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 ½ pounds lean ground beef
2 beef bouillon cubes
⅔ cup red wine
2 (16 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, chopped, juice reserved
garlic cloves, crushed
1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
1 ½ teaspoons paprika
2 ½ teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 ½ teaspoons dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried parsley
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
12 drops hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™)
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons corn meal
½ cup water

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook green pepper, and onion, until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Crumble over bouillon cubes, and stir in wine; continue to cook for a few minutes. Stir in chopped tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste. Season with paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, basil, oregano, and parsley. Stir in salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium low. Cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in kidney beans, and hot pepper sauce. You can add the reserved tomato juice if more liquid is needed. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, corn meal, and water until smooth. Stir into chili, and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until chili has thickened up.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 494.6 calories, Carbohydrate 29.1 g, Cholesterol 85.8 mg, Fat 27.2 g, Fiber 7.5 g, Protein 31.6 g, SaturatedFat 8.9 g, Sodium 1211.6 mg, Sugar 9.2 g

CHILI CON CARNE



Chili con Carne image

At chili suppers, this chili con carne recipe always disappears first! It's nice at home, too, since the longer it sits in the refrigerator, the better the taste seems to get. -Janie Turner, Tuttle, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 1h50m

Yield 10 servings ( 2 1/2 qt.)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
3 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup water
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Optional: Sour cream and jalapeno slices

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes; crumble beef. Drain and set aside. , In the same pot, heat oil; saute onions until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the green pepper, salt, chili powder, bouillon, cayenne, cinnamon, cumin and oregano. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until combined. , Add tomatoes and browned beef. Stir in water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for about 1 hour. Add beans and heat through. If desired top with sour cream and jalapeno.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 264 calories, Fat 14g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 56mg cholesterol, Sodium 892mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 20g protein.

CLASSIC CHILI CON CARNE



Classic Chili Con Carne image

This is a classic recipe from Robb Walsh, a Texas food historian and a restaurateur: no beans. In the Texas spirit, it does, however, call for three pounds of meat - boneless chuck, buffalo or venison. There is also some bacon for good measure. This is a hearty meal, great for a cold day when the best thing to do is to stay in and watch that other Texas religion, football.

Provided by Jennifer Steinhauer

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 3h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 medium dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed, spread flat
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons cumin seeds
8 ounces bacon
3 pounds boneless beef chuck, buffalo or venison, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 pound (2 medium) white onions, chopped
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 3/4 cups beef broth
1 28-ounce can puréed tomatoes
2 ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed

Steps:

  • For the chile powder: Place the chiles flat in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and cook, turning as needed, until lightly toasted. Transfer to a plate to cool. Put the cumin seeds in the hot pan and stir until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
  • Using scissors, cut the chiles into small strips. Using a spice grinder or a clean coffee grinder, grind in batches into a powder. Pour into a bowl. Grind the cumin seeds into a powder and add to the bowl. Add the oregano and garlic powder. If the mixture is still coarse, grind again until fine. Reserve 3 1/2 tablespoons for the chili; save the rest in a jar.
  • For the chili: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, stir the cumin seeds until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour onto a work surface and using a small, heavy skillet, crush them coarsely. Set aside.
  • Return the pot to medium-high heat, add the bacon and fry until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  • Increase the heat to high. Working in small batches, add the beef cubes to the pot and cook, stirring, until well browned on all sides. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a bowl.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions to the remaining bacon drippings and sauté until lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
  • Add the crushed cumin, reserved chili powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, thyme, salt and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Crumble in the bacon and add the broth, tomatoes, 1 cup water, anchos and the browned beef. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then decrease the heat to low, cover partly and simmer for 2 hours, until the meat is very tender. Add water as needed to maintain a good chili consistency.
  • Remove the anchos, purée them in a food processor or blender and return the purée to the pot. Stir well, simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 342, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 14 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 36 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 557 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

LADY BIRD JOHNSON'S PEDERNALES RIVER CHILI



Lady Bird Johnson's Pedernales River Chili image

This recipe, from former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, was featured in the 2011 exhibition "What's Cooking, Uncle Sam?" at the National Archives in Washington.

Provided by Jennifer Steinhauer

Categories     dinner, easy, one pot, main course

Time 1h10m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
1 1/2 cups canned tomatoes, cut up
2 to 6 dashes hot sauce, or to taste
Salt to taste

Steps:

  • Cook the meat, onion and garlic in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring, until lightly browned. Stir in the oregano, cumin, chile powder, tomatoes, hot sauce, salt and 2 cups hot water. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour, skimming off the fat as it cooks.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 399, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 3 grams, Fat 31 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 27 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 456 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 2 grams

GOOD OLD CHILI CON CARNE



Good Old Chili Con Carne image

Provided by Alex Witchel

Categories     dinner, main course, side dish

Time 1h30m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/4 cup olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded and roughly chopped
1 heaping teaspoon chili powder
1 heaping teaspoon ground cumin
1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
1 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained
2 14-ounce cans diced tomatoes
1 pound good-quality ground beef
1/2 cup (packed) fresh cilantro sprigs
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • Place a large casserole over medium-high heat, and add 1/4 cup olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, celery and red bell peppers. Stir, and add chili powder, cumin, cinnamon and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir every 30 seconds for about 7 minutes, until softened and lightly colored.
  • Add the garbanzo beans, kidney beans, tomatoes and ground beef, stirring to break up the meat. Fill one of the tomato cans with water and then add the water to the pan. Coarsely chop the cilantro leaves and refrigerate until needed. Finely chop the stems and add to the pan. Add balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, partly covered, for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl or individual bowls, and garnish with cilantro leaves. If desired, serve with basmati rice, crusty bread, baked potato or couscous, accompanied by yogurt, guacamole and slices of lime.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 530, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 47 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 14 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 1114 milligrams, Sugar 14 grams, TransFat 1 gram

SOUTHWEST CHILI CON CARNE



Southwest Chili con Carne image

You'll only need one skillet and 20 minutes to whip up this hearty, slightly spicy Chili Con Carne. -Marline Emmal of Vancouver, British Columbia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1-1/2 cups reduced-sodium tomato juice
3/4 cup kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
2 to 3 drops hot pepper sauce
GARNISH:
Thinly sliced green onion, optional

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Garnish with green onion if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 299 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 56mg cholesterol, Sodium 346mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

GRANDMA W'S CHILI CON CARNE



Grandma W's Chili Con Carne image

Grandma would often make a big pot of this to bring up to the cabin. We'd have it with crackers and cheese or on top of hot dogs with chopped onions... either way it's delish!

Provided by Heart N Soul

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h20m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 lbs extra lean ground beef, browned
3 garlic cloves, chopped fine
2 cups celery, chopped (optional)
1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans (drained)
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt (optional)

Steps:

  • Cook onions in olive oil until tender.
  • Brown beef; drain fat.
  • Blend all ingredients in a large pot; bring to simmer and cook slowly for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 362.4, Fat 10.8, SaturatedFat 2.9, Cholesterol 52.7, Sodium 373.4, Carbohydrate 39, Fiber 11.4, Sugar 9.3, Protein 29.7

OLD JOHN'S CHILI CON CARNE



Old John's Chili Con Carne image

This was my father's chili con carne recipe. He rarely measured anything when making it and consequently neither do I. It is a very mild chili but the heat/spice level can easily be increased (with tabasco or chile peppers) for those who like that sort of thing. The leftovers freeze very well and make an excellent chili mac casserole, it also goes well as Cincinnati style chili (with spaghetti), or in burritos or tacos. I LOVE LOTS and LOTS of dark red kidney beans, but you can use as much or as few beans as you like even substituting light red beans if you prefer. Like all chilis; it's even better the second or third day. The cocoa powder gives it a deeper base note; but can be omitted or instant coffee may be used as a substitution. If you use instant coffee, introduce it in small increments and taste frequently as coffees vary in strength, you may not require as much instant coffee as cocoa powder. The single most variable measure is the ketchup. It is a "to taste" ingredient and is used to balance the seasoning vs tomato. It depends greatly on the amount of the seasoning you add and how acid the tomato sauce and paste are, as well as the intensity of the onion. I can use as little as 3 TBSP or as much as an 8 ounce bottle. It is a very adaptable recipe and handles additions and changes very well. It also travels well for potlucks or brunches. Make it as thick or as thin as you want

Provided by Callinectes Sapidus

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 50m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 large bermuda onions, cut up coarsely (the larger the onions, the better)
3 large garlic cloves, sliced thin (more or less)
1 large garlic clove, diced (more or less)
3 lbs ground chuck
1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
3 (52 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, drained (reserve liquid)
1 (1 ounce) jar mc cormick's chili powder (mild)
kosher salt (to taste)
cumin (to taste)
turmeric (to taste)
paprika (mild, to taste)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (regular or Dutch processed, you can substitute instant coffee powder, see note in description)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
tomato ketchup

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in frying pan add one onion, the ground chuck, the 3 sliced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon each of cumin, paprika, tumeric and 1 tablespoon chili powder, saute until beef is browned and drain off the liquid/oil.
  • Place drained beef and onion mixture into a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the remaining onion, the diced clove of garlic, the drained kidney beans and the tomato sauce and stir well.
  • If the mixture is too thick, thin it with the reserved bean liquid or add another can of tomato sauce.
  • Add the tomato paste, another TBSP each of the cumin, paprika and tumeric, 2 TBSP of cocoa powder and 2 to 4 TBSP of the chili powder. (sometimes, I'll use the entire jar) Cook until the onion is tender, stirring occasionally and thinning as desired with the reserved bean liquid.
  • Add enough tomato ketchup to correct for the acid balance (see note above).
  • Serve with grated cheddar cheese and sour cream if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1093.2, Fat 21.8, SaturatedFat 6.6, Cholesterol 110.6, Sodium 890.6, Carbohydrate 146.6, Fiber 45.9, Sugar 11.5, Protein 84.3

Tips:

  • Use a variety of chili peppers. This will give your chili a more complex flavor. Some good options include ancho, guajillo, and chipotle peppers.
  • Toast your spices before using them. This will help to bring out their flavor.
  • Brown your meat well before adding it to the chili. This will help to develop a rich flavor.
  • Use a variety of beans in your chili. This will add texture and flavor. Some good options include pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans.
  • Add some vegetables to your chili. This will help to add sweetness and nutrition. Some good options include onions, bell peppers, and corn.
  • Simmer your chili for at least 30 minutes. This will help to develop the flavors and make the chili more tender.
  • Serve your chili with your favorite toppings. Some good options include cheese, sour cream, and avocado.

Conclusion:

Grandpa Johnson's Ward Chili con Carne is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This chili is made with a variety of chili peppers, spices, beans, and vegetables, and it is simmered for at least 30 minutes to develop a rich and flavorful broth. This chili is sure to please everyone at your table, and it is a great way to use up leftover meat and vegetables.

Related Topics