Althea Walter'S Homemade Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, spicy chili powder, and beans, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual weeknight dinners with bold, warming flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onions with salt and pepper.
- Add flour and chili powder to the meat mixture.
- Stir until well blended.
- Add tomato sauce and water to the mixture.
- Cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Add chili beans to the chili.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve the chili over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños. For a healthier twist, swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also use low-sodium tomato sauce to reduce salt intake. If you like beans, feel free to add chili beans to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade chili over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or some crispy tortilla chips. This chili is also excellent for game day or potluck gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Althea Walter'S Homemade Chili contains roughly 762 calories, with 50g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (210% of the Daily Value), protein (100% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1416mg per serving (62% 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 make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use a mix of beans and lentils for protein. You can also enhance the flavor with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to maintain a hearty texture.
How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, try simmering it uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the chili, cooking until thickened. Adding mashed beans can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
What types of beans work well in this chili?
Kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans are all great options for chili. You can use canned beans for convenience or cook dried beans from scratch for more control over the texture. Adding beans not only enhances the protein content but also adds a nice texture to the dish.
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).