Amy'S Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with kidney beans, ground meat, and spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey or beef in a saucepan and drain off the fat.
- Put the drained meat and the rest of the ingredients except chili powder and cumin into a pot with a lid and set it on medium-low to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add 3 to 4 teaspoons of chili powder and ground cumin, adjusting to taste.
- Cook this down for about 10 more minutes on low with the lid on.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with Cheddar cheese or sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the tomato sauce. You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Adjust the chili powder and cumin based on your heat preference; a pinch of cayenne can also elevate the spice. Consider adding vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, optionally topping it with shredded Cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving a side salad or steamed vegetables. This dish also makes a great filling for burritos or tacos.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water for the right consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Amy'S Chili contains roughly 985 calories, with 62g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (237% of the Daily Value), iron (212% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 553mg per serving (24% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method enhances the flavors and allows for tender meat.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground turkey or beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein. Keep the other ingredients the same for a hearty and delicious meal that maintains the original chili flavor.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt when serving. Alternatively, stir in a bit of sugar or honey to counteract the heat, or add more beans and tomato sauce to dilute the spice level.
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).