We can’t wait to share our twist on the legendary Fred and Red’s Chili. We first discovered this savory classic during a road trip through the Midwest where we fell in love with its comforting warmth and irresistible aroma. Each spoonful bursts with tangy tomatoes tender ground beef and a dash of spice that keeps us coming back for more.
We’ve spent hours perfecting our version so it retains that old-school diner charm while adding a little extra kick. It’s hearty enough to feed a crowd yet simple to whip up for a cozy weeknight dinner. There’s something magical about how these bold ingredients come together creating a one-pot dish that’s as nostalgic as it is satisfying.
Fred And Red’s Chili Recipe
| Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 10 minutes | 45 minutes |
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal for thickening if desired
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. We add ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper. We stir frequently until the beef is browned.
- Drain any excess grease. We keep the pot on the stove to maintain the flavors.
- Stir in tomato sauce and beef broth. We let the mixture come to a gentle simmer so the tangy notes of tomato can infuse with the tender beef.
- Add chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if we want extra spice. We stir thoroughly to ensure our savory spice blend coats every bite.
- Let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes. We stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld all the Midwest diner-style flavors.
- If we prefer a thicker consistency we whisk in cornmeal during the last 10 minutes of simmering. We keep stirring to avoid lumps.
- Taste and adjust seasonings to achieve that iconic Fred And Red’s Chili flair. Serve hot with crackers shredded cheese or diced onions.
Ingredients
We gather fresh produce and pantry staples to recreate the nostalgic flavors in our bold Fred and Red’s Chili.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 2 pounds | None |
| Onion | 1 large | Diced |
| Green bell pepper | 1 | Chopped |
| Tomato sauce | 2 cans (15 oz each) | None |
| Beef broth | 2 cups | None |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | None |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon | None |
Key Spices
We rely on a robust mix of seasonings to give our chili its classic depth.
| Spice | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chili powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Paprika | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
Optional Add-Ins
We include these items to adjust taste or texture without losing the old-fashioned diner charm.
| Optional Add-in | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cornmeal | 1 tablespoon | Thicker consistency |
| Pinto beans | 1 cup | Extra protein |
| Diced jalapeño | 1 | More heat |
| Oyster crackers | A handful | Crunchy garnish |
Equipment
We rely on a few key tools to keep our Fred and Red’s Chili cooking process smooth. We start with a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for steady simmering. We also use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for gentle stirring. We lay out a cutting board and a sharp knife for safe chopping. We measure our spices and liquids accurately with measuring cups and measuring spoons. A colander works well when draining fat from the browned meat. Finally we keep a ladle nearby for easy serving at the end.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Dutch oven | Simmering chili evenly and preventing scorching |
| Wooden spoon | Stirring and combining ingredients without scratching the pot |
| Cutting board | Providing a stable surface for safe chopping |
| Sharp knife | Dicing onions and peppers efficiently |
| Measuring cups | Ensuring exact liquid measurements for proper consistency |
| Measuring spoons | Controlling spice amounts for consistent flavor |
| Colander | Draining excess fat from cooked ground beef |
| Ladle | Scooping and serving portions neatly without spills |
Directions
Here is how we transform our Fred and Red’s Chili ingredients into a warm and hearty meal.
Prep
- Place our large Dutch oven on the stovetop and gather all of our fresh ingredients.
- Chop the onion and green bell pepper into small even pieces.
- Measure out our chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder in a small dish.
- Open the tomato sauce cans and the beef broth container ahead of time.
Cook
- Set the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add our ground beef in a single layer then break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat using a colander if needed then return the beef to the pot.
- Stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until vegetables soften.
- Mix in the measured spice blend and stir for about one minute to coat everything in bold flavor.
- Add the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- If a thicker consistency is desired stir in cornmeal during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt or extra chili powder as needed.
| Cooking Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Browning Beef | 5–7 minutes |
| Sautéing Veggies | 3–5 minutes |
| Final Simmer | 30 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
We love to enjoy our Fred And Red’s Chili in warm bowls topped with hearty additions. The rich tomato base and perfectly seasoned ground beef welcome a variety of textures and flavors. We like to set up a fun toppings bar so everyone can customize their bowl. Here is a quick reference table for our favorite chili toppers:
| Topping | What It Adds |
|---|---|
| Shredded Cheese | Melts into the chili for indulgent creaminess |
| Diced Onion | Offers a crisp bite and light sweetness |
| Jalapeño Slices | Gives a fresh hint of heat |
| Sour Cream | Provides a cool contrast to the spices |
| Oyster Crackers | Adds a salty and nostalgic diner crunch |
We also like to serve our Fred And Red’s Chili with a side of warm cornbread or buttered rolls. We top our bowls with fresh cilantro for color. Sometimes we pair it with a simple green salad to balance out the richness. We enjoy experimenting with different garnishes for extra excitement in every bite.
Conclusion
We like how this dish unites flavor with nostalgia leaving us feeling satisfied every time It’s a reliable option for gatherings and quiet nights at home offering a warm welcome to everyone at the table We hope you enjoy its cozy appeal and share your toppings and twists with family and friends There’s nothing quite like a food memory that spans generations reminding us of simpler times while still satisfying modern cravings
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Fred and Red’s Chili unique?
This classic Midwest diner-inspired dish offers a comforting blend of tender ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and a fragrant mix of spices. The refined recipe keeps the nostalgic diner feel while enhancing flavor, making it a go-to meal for gatherings or relaxed weeknights. It stands out for its familiar, warming taste rooted in traditional cooking methods, yet it can be easily adapted to personal preferences. Whether you want extra heat or a milder bite, the chili’s signature mix of ingredients and spices delivers a hearty, memorable meal every time.
How do I make this chili thicker?
To achieve a thicker consistency, try stirring in a small amount of cornmeal during the last five minutes of simmering. This helps absorb liquid while boosting texture. The hearty blend of ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper also helps create a robust base. Adjusting heat and cooking time slightly longer can make the chili thicker, too. If you need more thickness, start with one tablespoon of cornmeal, let it cook briefly, then evaluate and add more as needed until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I substitute or add ingredients?
Absolutely. While the recipe traditionally sticks to ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, and classic spices, feel free to personalize. You can add pinto beans for extra protein or toss in diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you prefer a richer taste, experiment with different chili powders or sprinkle in roasted garlic. For a lighter spin, swap in ground turkey or chicken. The goal is to maintain the comforting diner vibe while tailoring the chili’s ingredients to your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
What equipment is essential for cooking?
A large Dutch oven is especially useful for even cooking and gentle simmering. You’ll also want a sturdy wooden spoon for safe stirring and a cutting board paired with a sharp knife for easy chopping of onions and peppers. Keep measuring cups and spoons handy to ensure accurate amounts. A colander helps drain any excess fat, and a ladle makes serving less messy. These basic kitchen tools streamline the process from browning the meat to dishing out hot bowls of this wholesome chili.
How do I serve Fred and Red’s Chili?
Serve steaming bowls with your favorite toppings for extra flavor and fun. Crackers, shredded cheese, diced onions, and sour cream are classic go-tos. If you want more spice, top with sliced jalapeños. Add a hint of freshness with chopped cilantro or green onions. Oyster crackers provide a nice crunch, and a side of cornbread or buttered rolls rounds out the meal. Setting up a toppings bar encourages everyone to personalize their bowl, making the meal both satisfying and social in any setting.