Old-Fashioned Brick Chili Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

  • add review
  • #74075

This old-fashioned recipe takes chili back to the basics. Suet is the traditional choice for cooking fat, but you can substitute lard, vegetable shortening or even unflavored coconut oil.

Old-Fashioned Brick Chili Recipe | CDKitchen.com (1)


serves/makes:

ready in:

2-5 hrs

2 reviews
4 comments


ingredients

5 pounds lean chili meat
1 pound suet, ground
4 medium onions, chopped
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoon cumin powder
1/2 tablespoon red pepper
5 chili peppers, parboiled, skinned and finely chopped
3 tablespoons chili powder

directions

Put suet in pan, let melt, then add onions. Add chili meat and cook until meat stands apart, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients except chili powder. Turn to low and cook slowly until tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

About 15 minutes before meat is done, add chili powder and simmer. Pour into rectangular bowls in refrigerator to thicken. This will keep for weeks.

added by

meezermom

recipe tips


Try toasting the cumin and chili powder before adding them for a richer flavor.

If the chili is too thick, add a little beef broth or water to adjust the consistency.

Garnish with fresh cilantro, cheese, or sour cream when serving.

Try adding beans or corn for a different texture and taste.

Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the chili from burning during the long cooking process.

Stir the chili occasionally while it simmers to make sure it cooks evenly.

Adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking, as flavors intensify over time.

For a smoky flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder.

Let the chili cool completely before refrigerating for both food safety reasons and to keep the temperature of the refrigerator increasing.

Serve leftovers in different ways, like over baked potatoes or hot dogs.

common recipe questions


What is suet and is there a readily available substitute?

Suet is beef fat that has been ground and is solid; you can substitute it with lard, vegetable shortening, or unflavored coconut oil.

Can I use a different type of meat for this chili?

While lean chili meat is traditional, you can use beef, pork, or turkey (or a combination) as alternatives.

How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

Alter the amount of red pepper and chili powder according to your preference.

Why do you parboil the chili peppers?

Parboiling makes them easier to skin and chop, but it's optional if you prefer a more robust pepper flavor.

Can this chili be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the meat and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

How do I store this chili and how long does it last?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will keep for several weeks but we really recommend eating it within a week.

What is the purpose of refrigerating the chili in rectangular bowls?

Refrigerating helps the chili to thicken and set, making it easier to cut into brick-like pieces.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, it freezes well. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What are some serving suggestions for this chili?

Serve with cornbread, over rice, or use as a filling for tacos or burritos.


nutrition data for old-fashioned brick chili

644 calories, 56 grams fat, 6 grams carbohydrates, 27 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.



more recipes like old-fashioned brick chili

EASY TOMATO SOUP CHILI CON CARNE

CHUCKWAGON CHILI

TEX MEX CHILI

WENDY'S CHILI

CHILI FOR A CROWD


reviews & comments for old-fashioned brick chili

  1. Spurwing Plover March 26, 2020

    My mom used to buy brick of Chill at the local grocery store just boil up some dry beans as the Chilli Brick stir it a ll up and let it simmer a while

  2. Guest Foodie REVIEW:
    October 12, 2019

    I came from a time where you could go to the store and in the freezer section under Lynn Wilson you could purchase a one 01 lb.red brick Square that you could use as a base for the flavoring to the best ever Chili! Since we have grown up, I cannot seem to see that little red brick? So now we need to think? What went in to making that little wonder of flavor? I have looked and I haven't found anything close until today? Maybe? So with a little leap of faith and a desire,I may of found something like that little red brick of wonder! I feel like if this isn't it, it may be neck to neck runners up, head to head qith this little Web site Old-Fashion C.D.Kitchens. I feel this is the holy grail. With these recipes I am going to indulge and post results in this news letter! Thank-You Web, and the blessings of Freedom! My intials will be posted at this site at a very near future Thank-You again L. A.

  3. Doug January 25, 2019

    I like this recipe and realize that it has to be an old hand me down. Suet and the plain term chili peppers is old midwest farm talk,I was a farm kid. But then it smacks of Texas and their no bean chilis. Think I'll make this and use 80-20 chili grind and reconstitute some chili arbol and others for those chili peppers.I think this recipe has a chance at being very good chili.Texas chili as is and with beans for everyone else. Thank for the recipe

  4. Guest Foodie January 6, 2017

    Suet is not ground beef fat. It is the fat layered around beef kidneys. It needs to be trimmed and rendered. You can substitute it with lard. With today's fat content in ground beef you will have fat in your recipe.

    • CDKitchen Staff Reply:

      Our comment meant ground as in grated, not as in "ground beef" as the recipe calls for ground suet.

  5. Suzy Cowan REVIEW:
    January 1, 2014

    What is Suet?

    • CDKitchen Staff Reply:

      It's essentially ground beef fat.

  6. Venus October 26, 2013

    Where do you get suet? And what can you sub for it if you can't find it?

    • CDKitchen Staff Reply:

      Check with the meat department of your grocery store. You can use grated lard or shortening in place of it.

');

Old-Fashioned Brick Chili Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

FAQs

What does a chili brick have in it? ›

A chili brick is a block of chili con carne made of finely ground beef and various peppers and spices. You can usually find it at most grocery stores in the refrigerated or freezer section.

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

How much water do you put in a Dolores chili brick? ›

Combine 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, 3/4 cup water, 1/2 cup corn meal. Stir the ingredients into one pound prepared Chili Brick® along with 3/4 cup whole kernel corn and small can chopped tomatoes (drained). Stir well, pour into casserole dish.

How long does brick chili last? ›

Chili Brick®. It simply goes from our box to your meat case. Our chili sells best in the fresh meat case next to the ground beef and sausages. Guaranteed eight-week shelf life after removing from your freezer.

What is the original chili made of? ›

A recipe dating back to the 1850s describes dried beef, suet, dried chili peppers and salt, which were pounded together, formed into bricks and left to dry, which could then be boiled in pots in an army encampment in Monterrey, of what is now Nuevo León, Mexico.

Does chili brick have meat? ›

Dolores Beef Chili Brick is an all-beef, fully cooked meal or side dish. It will add heat and flavor to any recipe.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

What is the history of chili bricks? ›

Needing hot grub, the trail cooks came up with a sort of stew. They pounded dried beef, fat, pepper, salt, and the chili peppers together. This amounted to "brick chili" or "chili bricks" that could be boiled in pots along the trail.

Where is Manning's chili made? ›

Manning's Chili | America's Favorite Chili! We've been making our famous Manning's Chili since 1925! Manning's is locally owned & manufactured in Wichita, Kansas.

What to do if you add too much water to chilli? ›

If your chili is too watery, there are a few steps you can take to thicken it: Simmer Longer: Continue cooking the chili uncovered over low heat to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Add Thickeners: Mix a small amount of cornstarch or flour with cold water and add it to the chili. Cook while stirring until it thickens.

Can I eat chili that was left out all night? ›

It would be very risky to eat any kind of meat, including chili, after it has been sitting out unrefrigerated for several hours. Bacteria growth can begin as soon as meat reaches the temperature of 40° Fahrenheit. Meat dishes that are not consumed or refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking should not be eaten.

Is chili still good if left on the counter overnight? ›

TWO HOURS is the MAXIMUM time perishable foods should be at room temperature (ONE HOUR at temperatures 90 degrees F and higher). This INCLUDES the time they're on the table during your meal. Just ONE bacterium, doubling every 20 minutes, can grow to over 2,097,152 bacteria in 7 hours!

What if my chili sat out overnight? ›

If chili has been left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature, it is advisable to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

What comes in a chili kit? ›

Four individual seasoning packets - spices, cayenne, masa flour, and jalapeno and bell peppers - let you fix your chili however you like, hot or mild.

What is Mexican brick made of? ›

The worker is shovelling manure and clay into the wheelbarrow where he'll add water and mix the clay. Manure is used since it causes the bricks to become hotter during firing. This form is used to make 4 bricks at a time. The bricks are then let to dry until they are hard enough to handle.

What is inside a chili pepper? ›

The substances that give chili peppers their pungency (spicy heat) when ingested or applied topically are capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) and several related chemicals, collectively called capsaicinoids. The quantity of capsaicin varies by variety, and depends on growing conditions.

What is brick clay made of? ›

Clay bricks are produced by the drying and firing of clay or shale raw material, forming a sintered porous structure. Similarly, the drying and sintering of pelletised clay or shale can produce a usable aggregate, but more especially if the raw material is capable of being 'bloated'.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rueben Jacobs

Last Updated:

Views: 6258

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rueben Jacobs

Birthday: 1999-03-14

Address: 951 Caterina Walk, Schambergerside, CA 67667-0896

Phone: +6881806848632

Job: Internal Education Planner

Hobby: Candle making, Cabaret, Poi, Gambling, Rock climbing, Wood carving, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.