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5 from 4 votes

Chasen's Chili

Adapted from the famous Chasen's Hollywood restaurant recipe which was a favorite with actors including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time3 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili, soup, stew
Servings: 7 quarts
Calories: 846kcal
Author: Tricia

Ingredients

  • ½ pound pinto beans
  • 4 14.5 ounce cans fire roasted diced tomatoes (NOT drained)
  • 2 large green bell peppers, ribs and seeds removed, chopped
  • 2 large Hatch Chili peppers, ribs and seeds removed, chopped (substitute jalapeños if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 large white onions, chopped
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 ½ pounds ground beef, 80-85% lean
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • cup chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 - 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt, such as Adobe, Accent or Lowry's
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Instructions

  • Rinse and sort dried pinto beans removing any debris. Place the beans in a 7-8 quart soup pot and cover with cold water by at least one inch. Cover with a lid and soak overnight.
  • When ready to cook, drain and lightly rinse the beans and place back in the pan. Cover with fresh water by at least two inches. Heat on medium and bring to a boil. Lower heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the beans are tender, but not soft; about 45 minutes. Add water if needed during cooking to keep most beans covered.
  • Add the canned diced tomatoes and cover the pot with a tight fitting lid, and reduce the heat to low.
  • In a large skillet, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the green peppers and sauté for five minutes. Add the onion and cook until tender, stirring often. Push the peppers and onions aside making a hole in the center of the pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour the pepper mixture into the beans and add the parsley.
  • Return the skillet to the heat and add the butter. Once melted add the ground beef and pork and cook, breaking the meat into large chunks until cooked through.
  • Quickly drain the meat in a colander (don't leave it to dry out) and return it to the skillet. Add the chili powder and sauté for about five minutes or until all the meat is coated in the spice.
  • Add the cooked meat to the pot with the beans along with the salt, pepper, cumin, seasoned salt, cayenne and tomato paste. At this point you can add a little water if you think it needs it to ensure all ingredients are wet.
  • Cover and simmer (do not boil) chili for 1 hour, stir occasionally taking care not to smash the beans.
  • Remove the lid and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Serve garnished with sliced green onions and shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Chili freezes beautifully and is wonderful the next day
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 846kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 197mg | Sodium: 1538mg | Potassium: 1234mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4561IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 7mg