Chunky Southwest Chili

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + soaking Cook: 1-1/2 hours

Makes

10 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)

Updated: Mar. 09, 2023
What started out as a mild, basic chili has evolved over the years into one with a powerful punch! —Shawn Barto, Palmetto, Florida
Chunky Southwest Chili Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 6 dried ancho or guajillo chiles or a mixture (about 3 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 pounds beef stew meat, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2-2/3 cups water, divided
  • 1 bottle (46 ounces) V8 juice
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
  • Sliced seeded jalapeno peppers, optional

Directions

  1. In an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven over medium heat, toast chiles 2-3 minutes (do not burn). Remove from heat; transfer to a small bowl. Add hot water to cover. Soak 30 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Brown beef in batches. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add onion and remaining oil to pot; cook and stir until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat.
  3. Drain and split chiles, discarding stems and seeds. Pulse, covered, with salt, pepper, cumin and 2/3 cup water in a blender until pureed, adding water if needed (mixture should be a slightly runny paste).
  4. Return beef to pot, and pot to stovetop. Add V8 juice, broth, chili mixture and remaining water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened and meat is tender, 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours. If desired, top with jalapeno pepper slices.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 375 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 1195mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 36g protein.