Alarm Chili
Alarm Chili is a spicy, hearty dish with rich tomato and chili flavors, perfect for chili lovers and those craving a flavorful, warming meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. extra lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. baking cocoa ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed hot pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a 2 1/2-quart saucepan over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until well done, stirring until crumbly.
- Remove ground beef with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
- Drain and wipe the saucepan.
- Saute onion, garlic, and green pepper with 1/2 cup tomatoes in oil in the saucepan for 3 minutes.
- Add oregano, cumin, chili powder, cocoa, sugar, hot pepper, and Tabasco sauce. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Add beans, ground beef, and remaining tomatoes.
- Simmer for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of crushed hot pepper or add diced jalapeños. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. For a deeper flavor, let the chili sit for a day before serving, as it allows the spices to meld beautifully. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Alarm Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a Taco Salad Bowl or over rice for a hearty Chili Rice Supper.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered bowl until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water while reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alarm Chili contains roughly 760 calories, with 11g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value), iron (85% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 21g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this chili in advance?
Absolutely! Alarm Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Prepare it ahead of time, let it cool completely, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for a convenient meal option.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you want to make a healthier or vegetarian version, ground turkey or chicken works well. Alternatively, you can use a mix of beans, lentils, or even crumbled tempeh for a plant-based option.
How can I thicken my chili if it’s too watery?
If your chili is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate. You can also mash a portion of the beans and stir them back in to naturally thicken the mixture.
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).