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Meaty Chili Recipe

This recipe—from our church cookbook—makes the best chili bar none. The secret ingredients are sugar and bay leaf.—Sue Norem, Ellsworth, Iowa

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Meaty Chili Recipe

Prep: 45 min. Cook: 1-1/2 hours

Yield: 45 Servings

45 90 135

Ingredients

10 pounds ground beef
5 large onions, chopped
5 quarts tomato juice
4 cups water
5 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 to 2/3 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 bunch celery with leaves
5 garlic cloves, peeled
3 bay leaves

Directions

In several large soup kettles, cook beef and onions over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato juice, water, beans, sugar, chili powder and salt. Cut leaves off celery and set aside. Chop celery; add to soup. Chop celery leaves; place in cheesecloth with the garlic and bay leaves. Tie with string and place in soup. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Remove spice bag before serving. Yield: about 45 (1-cup) servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 cup) equals 241 calories, 13 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 67 mg cholesterol, 626 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 22 g protein.

Originally published as Meaty Chili in Taste of Home February/March 1999, p54