1, 2 Or 3 Alarm Chili
A hearty, spicy chili packed with bold flavors like cumin, oregano, and hot peppers, perfect for chilly days or entertaining guests who love heat and robust taste.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. chili meat ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped green onion ⓘ
- 2 c. green peppers, diced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 cans (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, diced ⓘ
- 1/2, 1 or 1 1/2 tsp. Tabasco or hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. hot salsa or 1/2 c. chopped jalapeno pepper ⓘ
- 1, 2 or 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 or 1 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Lightly brown the chili meat; add chopped green onions and garlic.
- Cook until the onion is transparent, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced green peppers.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, Tabasco or hot pepper sauce, and salsa or chopped jalapeno peppers depending on desired heat level.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer slowly for 1 to 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavors, consider marinating the chili meat overnight with spices. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chili meat with lentils or beans. Adjust the heat by adding more or less Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper based on your preference. For added depth, incorporate a splash of beer or a spoonful of brown sugar. Explore other American recipes for diverse flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips. For a complete meal, offer a side of Rosy Rhubarb Salad to balance the richness. This dish is perfect for game-day gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 1, 2 Or 3 Alarm Chili contains roughly 989 calories, with 43g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (329% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (196% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1533mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the spice level of the chili?
Absolutely! This recipe allows flexibility with the heat. Use less Tabasco or cayenne pepper for a milder flavor and increase it for a spicier kick. You can also experiment with different types of hot sauces or add more jalapenos to suit your taste.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Popular options include cornbread, rice, or a simple green salad. For a fun twist, pair it with Sluggers Surprise or serve it over baked potatoes for a hearty meal.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, making chili ahead of time is a great idea! In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Prepare it a day or two ahead, store in an airtight container, and simply reheat when you're ready to serve. It's perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).