Chasen's Chili

James Craig's Note:

This recipe was printed in the "Arizona Republic" newspaper when Chasen's closed its doors. Chasens was a Hollywood hangout. Elizabeth Taylor liked this chili so much that when she was on a movie set out of the country, she would have them ship it to her on location.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 3 quarts

• 1 ¼ cups pinto beans
• 3 cups cold water
• 5 cups canned tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups chopped onions
• 4 cups chopped green peppers
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• 4 ounces butter
• 3 ½ lbs ground beef , coarsely ground
• ½ cup chili powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons cumin

Directions:

1. Pour the beans in a saucepan and cook until tender, adding water if necessary Heat the oil in the skillet, add the peppers and onions and cook until the onions are translucent.
2. Add the garlic and parsley.
3. Heat oil and butter in a pot large enough for all the ingredients.
4. Add the beef and cook about 25 minutes, stirring to break up the lumps.
5. Add the chili powder and cumin about halfway through the cooking process.
6. Add the peppers and onions to the meat.
7. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
8. Simmer for 60 minutes, stirring often.
9. Add the beans and water and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
10. Skim off fat.
11. Serve with sour cream, chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese and crackers.

Reviews

[Chef of 5]

OMG! I just made this chili and this is my new favorite chili! I agree with the other reviewer about cooking the meat with the spices brings out a wonderful flavor! I cut the recipe roughly in half and made it all in one pot instead of the three and it still came out GREAT! I cooked the beef in the oil and butter and then added the spices halfway through the meat being done then added the peppers, onions, garlic and parsley. I let that cook until the green pepper and onion started softening and then I followed the rest of the recipe adding all the other stuff in. (Except for the beans that went in after simmering for an hour) I used canned pinto beans so there was no need to precook the beans in step one. I just threw the can in after the chili simmered for an hour. Came out EXCELLENT! Very easy! Thank you for sharing this recipe, James!! I finally have a chili recipe that I actually really like now!

[Mom of Five]

I made this for company and it was a hit! Some of the kids didn't finish their portion and I caught their dad eating it up before he put the plate in the dishwasher! (He had already had 3rds!) I didn't put in the beans because I am the only one in the family that likes them and I did it in the crock pot, letting it simmer all day. Thanks for sharing a wonderful recipe!

[Monica Dawson]

This chili was a big hit! I have tried many chili recipes and this was the best by far! I substituted 1 lb of ground beef w/pork sausage-but everything else stayed the same. Perfect for a get together.