Skip to content
RCI-SP.004.0330.001

Wild West Chili

Purchased from Rodgers Estate in Greenville, Texas in 1994. Dated 1956.

nut-free
Prep25 min
Cook35 min
Total60 min
Servings4
Difficultyintermediate

Ingredients

Method

1
Cook the diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
6 minutes
2
Add the ground beef or venison to the bacon fat and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
9 minutes
3
Stir in the chili powder, salt, garlic salt, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their flavors.
1 minutes
4
Add the onion, celery, and carrot mixture along with the green pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3 minutes
5
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
17 minutes
6
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot in bowls, optionally topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced onion.