Best 2 Midwestern Style Chili Recipes

In the vast culinary landscape of American comfort food, few dishes embody the spirit of the Midwest quite like a hearty bowl of chili. This Midwestern-style chili is a symphony of flavors, a tapestry of textures, a comforting embrace on a cold winter's day. Its rich, savory broth, brimming with tender chunks of beef, beans, and a melange of spices, warms the soul and ignites the taste buds. Its versatility knows no bounds, welcoming an array of toppings from shredded cheese to tangy sour cream, from crunchy onions to fiery jalapeños. Whether served as a main course or a game-day snack, this chili is a Midwestern masterpiece, a culinary ode to the region's rich heritage and love of hearty, satisfying fare. Savor the classic version, explore variations with turkey or vegetarian options, or venture into the realm of white chili, a Texan twist on this beloved dish. With its customizable nature and endless possibilities, Midwestern-style chili is a culinary adventure waiting to be savored.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MIDWEST BEST CHILI

Midwest Best Chili image

This is a version of the famous "Wendys" restaurant chili. It is a popular version most familiar to midwesterners. An all around good recipe.

Provided by Koz4721

Categories Beans

Time 2h45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (29 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed
1 (29 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed
1 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green chili pepper (2-3 chilis)
1 cup diced celery (3-4 stalks)
4 medium tomatoes, diced
2 teaspoons cumin powder
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups tomato juice or 2 cups v 8 vegetable juice
1 cup water

Steps:

Brown the ground beef in chili pot over medium heat.
Drain excess fat.
Add remaining ingredients.
cook on medium high heat until it simmers.
Stir about every 15 minutes, for 2 to 3 hours.
Remove from heat and rest 15 minutes before serving or cool immediately then reheat tomorrow for better yet.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.8, Fat 9, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 49.1, Sodium 1135.1, Carbohydrate 39.3, Fiber 11.7, Sugar 8.1, Protein 26.9

MIDWEST CHILI

Midwest Chili image

Make and share this Midwest Chili recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Paula

Categories Beans

Time 3h50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 (6 ounce) tomato paste
1 (16 ounce) kidney beans (do not rinse or drain) or 1 (16 ounce) chili beans (do not rinse or drain)
12 ounces V8 vegetable juice
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 (32 ounce) can whole tomatoes (cut into chunks)
4 cups water
1 cup elbow macaroni, raw

Steps:

In a dutch oven, brown the ground beef with onion and celery and drain any excess fat from the meat.
Add remaining ingredients (tomato paste through 4 cups of water) EXCEPT macaroni.
Simmer for at least 3 hours.
Prepare the macaroni according to package directions (cook in additional salted water).
Drain macaroni and add to chili.
Simmer this mixture for an additional 15 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368.9, Fat 12.7, SaturatedFat 4.7, Cholesterol 51.4, Sodium 1263.9, Carbohydrate 42.1, Fiber 8.2, Sugar 13.5, Protein 23.7

Tips:

Choose the right type of chili powder. Chili powder is the key ingredient in this recipe, so it's important to choose a good one. Look for a chili powder that is made with a blend of different chilies, such as ancho, guajillo, and chipotle. This will give your chili a complex and flavorful taste.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Chili is a versatile dish that can be topped with a variety of ingredients. Some popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and chopped cilantro. You can also add a dollop of guacamole or salsa to give your chili a Mexican flair.
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh ingredients will give your chili the best flavor. If you can, use fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic. You can also use frozen or canned tomatoes if you don't have any fresh ones on hand.
Cook your chili low and slow. Chili is a dish that takes time to develop its flavor. Cook it over low heat for at least 2 hours, or even longer if you have time. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious and hearty chili.

Conclusion:

Midwestern-style chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your chili mild or spicy, there is a Midwestern-style chili recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a comforting and delicious meal, give Midwestern-style chili a try. You won't be disappointed.