We really love chili, and over the past few years I've tried countless recipes.  It seems that everyone has a very favorite and best ever chili recipe - except for me.  Almost every recipe I've tried has been GOOD, just not GREAT.  So when I was planning to host an afternoon with Marty's family, I decided that we'd have a chili dog buffet.  I figured that with chili and hot dogs on the menu, there would be something for everyone, even if they didn't actually combine the two to make a plate-sized chili dog meal.

My friend Nicole sent me her chili recipe, one that she'd modified over the years, and still changes depending on what she has on hand.  That's the good thing about chili - it doesn't have to be exactly the same each time to be good.  Although there are a lot of ingredients in this chili, it's very easy to make. Plus, it's thick, hearty, and the flavors are just right (to me).  I'd highly recommend it, and I'll definitely make it again.


This chili tastes even better on the second day.  I made it a day ahead and refrigerated it, then reheated it in the crock pot a few hours before lunchtime.  Also, this is a very large batch of chili.  I figure as long as I'm going to the effort of making it, I might as well make enough to freeze some for another time.

Print it: Hearty Chili

Thanks Nicole for the original recipe!