We had chili last night and it struck me that I’ve never done a chili call for recipes. This is definitely a dish I know people have recipes they are proud of and want to share. So, it’s time for a good old fashioned Chili Cook-Off! Well, as old fashioned as sharing recipes online can be, anyways!

I’ll share my chili recipe. It’s not fancy, but it’s good and EASY. And you can just use whatever you have lying around, it’s a very flexible recipe. For you chili die-hards out there…yes, I’m breaking all kinds of rules. So, be nice. This is a FRIENDLY chili cook-off…anything goes, there are no rules!
Jane’s Chili
As inspired by her mother-in-law, Pat. Measurements are approximate.
- About 1/3 of an onion, chopped
- Bell pepper (about half of one…red tastes better, but green offers a nice color contrast…you choose!)
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped or minced…if you don’t have fresh garlic, just sprinkle some garlic powder
- ~3/4 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz size…don’t know if it’s exactly 15, but around there)
- 1 can of baked beans (small/med size can…yeah, I know baked beans probably offends some chili purists…I like the sweetness they offer and I like this type of bean, so whatever)
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes
- ~1/4 C salsa
- ~1/2 C spaghetti sauce (yup, spaghetti sauce…I make sure it’s a neutral one, without lots of italian spices or veggies like mushrooms in it)
- ~2 Tbsp. chili powder
- ~1/2 – 1 tsp cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
- HEAT…red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, tabasco sauce, whatever you have on hand…I usually don’t add this to the pot b/c we have little ones, so Nate and I sprinkle a little cayenne pepper in our individual bowls.

Saute the onion, garlic and bell pepper in olive oil until soft – I season with salt and pepper at this point. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain off fat. Add everything else and simmer for a little while. Serve with shredded cheese, corn chips, corn bread, whatever you like!
Time for you to share your favorite chili recipes! Any kind of chili counts, variety is a good thing! So, bring it on! You want to win the blue ribbon, right?