Mallory Ervin Chili Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the Mallory Ervin chili recipe, you’re in the right place. This hearty, deeply flavored chili has won over thousands of home cooks – and for good reason.

Rooted in a handwritten note-card recipe passed down nearly a decade ago, Mallory’s mom-inspired chili is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with happy faces. It’s not fancy, it’s not “clean eating,” and that’s exactly the point.

It’s honest, comforting food made from mostly pantry staples and a generous hand with seasoning. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this recipe delivers every single time.

What Does Mallory Ervin’s Chili Taste Like?

This chili is bold, savory, and deeply satisfying with a beautifully layered flavor profile. The combination of chili powder, paprika, and cayenne builds a slow, smoky heat that warms you from the inside out – never overwhelming, always inviting.

A touch of brown sugar and ketchup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the ground beef perfectly. The kidney and chili beans bring a creamy, hearty body to every spoonful, while the bell peppers and onions add a gentle savory depth.

Topped with sharp cheddar and sour cream, it becomes an absolute comfort food masterpiece.

Ingredients Required for Mallory Ervin Chili Recipe

For the Chili:

• 3 pounds ground beef (a mix of lean and regular works best)
• 2 containers pre-cut bell peppers (or dice your own fresh ones)
• 2 containers pre-cut diced onions (or dice your own)
• 1 can dark red kidney beans
• 1 can chili beans
• 1 can tomato sauce (medium/large can – use almost the entire can)
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 4 tablespoons chili powder
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 6 bay leaves (remove before serving)
• Red pepper flakes (a small dash, to taste)
• Cayenne pepper (to taste, for your preferred spice level)
• 4 cups water (1 quart)

Optional Garnishes:

• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)

Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife and cutting board (if dicing vegetables yourself)
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Ladle for serving

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
• Total Time: ~60 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 servings (scales easily up or down)

How to Make Mallory Ervin Chili – Step-by-Step Instructions for Mallory Ervin Chili 

Step 1 – Brown the Ground Beef

Heat your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the 3 pounds of ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2 – Add the Vegetables

Add the pre-cut bell peppers and diced onions directly into the pot with the browned meat. Stir to combine and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.

Step 3 – Add the Beans and Tomato Sauce

Drain the kidney beans and chili beans if needed, then add both cans to the pot. Pour in almost the entire can of tomato sauce and stir everything together.

Step 4 – Season Generously

Add the ketchup, salt, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, chili powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and all 6 bay leaves. Stir well to make sure every ingredient is evenly coated in those rich seasonings.

Step 5 – Add Water and Simmer

Pour in the 4 cups (1 quart) of water. Give everything a thorough stir, then cover the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6 – Remove Bay Leaves and Serve

Before serving, fish out all 6 bay leaves and discard them.

Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top generously with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Enjoy!

Pro tips: Try our Barefoot Contessa turkey chili-hearty, protein-packed comfort food with smoky spices. This easy weeknight recipe is loved by everyone, every day.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Mallory Ervin Chili

One of the best things about this copycat Mallory Ervin chili recipe is how incredibly versatile it is. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, cooking for picky kids, or simply using up what’s in the pantry, here are seven ways to make it your own.

1. Swap the Protein

Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey or ground chicken works beautifully here for a leaner version. You can even use a plant-based ground meat substitute to make this chili completely vegetarian without sacrificing its hearty texture.

2. Control the Heat Level

The beauty of this recipe is that the spice level is entirely in your hands. Dial back the cayenne and skip the red pepper flakes for a mild, family-friendly bowl. Double them up if your crowd loves bold, fiery heat.

3. Add Extra Vegetables

Sneak in extra nutrition by stirring in diced zucchini, canned corn, or even sweet potato chunks during the simmering stage. These additions soak up all those gorgeous spices and add wonderful texture.

4. Make It a Chili Bar

Set up a fun topping station and let everyone build their own bowl. Offer shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced jalapeños, sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, and avocado slices for a crowd-pleasing dinner spread.

5. Serve It Over Something

This chili is incredible ladled over a bowl of fluffy white rice, baked potatoes, or even pasta (think Cincinnati-style chili). For a low-carb option, spoon it over cauliflower rice.

6. Pair It with Cornbread or Crusty Bread

Nothing pairs better with a thick, hearty chili than warm, buttery cornbread or a crusty sourdough loaf for dipping. It’s the ultimate comfort food combination.

7. Scale It Up for a Crowd

This recipe already makes 8–10 generous servings, but it doubles effortlessly. It’s the perfect dish for game day parties, potlucks, or big family gatherings where you need something that feeds a crowd without stress.

Expert Tips for the Best Mallory Ervin Chili

Getting the Mallory Ervin chili just right is easy when you know a few key tricks. These tips will help you nail it every single time.

1. Don’t Skip the Brown Sugar

It might sound unusual in a chili, but the brown sugar is what makes this recipe special. It balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and the heat of the spices, creating a rounded, complex flavor that keeps people coming back for seconds.

2. Use a Mix of Ground Beef

Using a blend of lean and regular ground beef gives you the best of both worlds – enough fat for rich flavor, without making the chili greasy. If you drain some fat after browning, you control the final texture beautifully.

3. Let It Simmer Low and Slow

Don’t rush the simmering step. The longer this chili simmers (up to 45 minutes or even longer), the more the flavors meld together and deepen. If you have time, letting it go for a full hour on very low heat makes it even better.

4. Make It a Day Ahead

Like most great chili recipes, this one tastes significantly better the next day. The overnight rest in the fridge allows all the spices, beans, and meat to fully meld together. Make it on Saturday, serve it on Sunday – you won’t regret it.

5. Always Remove the Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are fantastic for building depth during cooking, but they’re not pleasant to bite into. Set a reminder before serving and always count out all 6 to make sure none end up in anyone’s bowl.

6. Taste and Adjust Before Serving

Every stove, every pot, and every brand of chili powder is slightly different. Always taste your chili in the final 5 minutes of simmering and adjust the salt, cayenne, or brown sugar to your preference before ladling it out.

7. Use Pre-Cut Vegetables to Save Time

Mallory’s original recipe calls for pre-cut, pre-diced bell peppers and onions – and it’s a genius time-saver. Most grocery stores sell these in the produce section. On a busy weeknight, this small shortcut makes a big difference in getting dinner on the table fast.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Mallory Ervin Chili Recipe that people often ask.

What is the Mallory Ervin chili recipe?

The Mallory Ervin chili recipe is a hearty, family-friendly beef and bean chili inspired by a handwritten recipe card from Mallory’s mom. It uses simple pantry staples like ground beef, canned beans, tomato sauce, and a bold blend of spices including chili powder, paprika, and cayenne.

Can I make Mallory Ervin chili in a slow cooker or Crockpot?

Yes! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The longer, slower cook time makes the flavors even richer.

What beans are used in Mallory Ervin’s chili?

This recipe uses two types of beans – dark red kidney beans and chili beans. Together, they give the chili a thick, hearty body with a creamy texture that balances the seasoned ground beef perfectly.

Can I make this chili without beans?

Absolutely. If you or your family prefer a bean-free chili, simply omit both cans of beans. The recipe still produces a wonderfully thick, meaty chili. You can add an extra half pound of ground beef to compensate for the volume.

How do I make this chili less spicy?

To reduce the heat, simply omit or reduce the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. The remaining spices – chili powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce – still deliver plenty of flavor without significant heat.

Is the Mallory Ervin chili recipe good for meal prep?

It’s one of the best recipes for meal prep. It makes 8–10 servings, stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days, freezes beautifully, and actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors continue to develop.

What can I serve with Mallory Ervin’s chili?

This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, crusty sourdough bread, tortilla chips, baked potatoes, or steamed rice. Popular toppings include sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and diced green onions.

This copycat Mallory Ervin chili recipe is the definition of comfort food done right. With simple, budget-friendly ingredients, bold seasoning, and an easy one-pot method, it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation.

Whether you follow it exactly as written or customize it to suit your family’s tastes, the result is always a rich, satisfying bowl of chili that feels like a warm hug. Give it a try this week – and don’t forget to top it with plenty of sharp cheddar. You’re going to love every single bite.

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