Apache Pilot Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground chuck over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- While the meat is cooking, chop the onion.
- Add the chopped onion to the cooked meat and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute to toast the spices.
- Add the tomato soup, stewed tomatoes, and chili beans (if using) to the mixture.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a diced bell pepper or jalapeño for extra heat. You can substitute the ground chuck with ground turkey for a leaner option or use canned diced tomatoes instead of stewed tomatoes for a chunkier texture. If you're short on time, using pre-chopped onions or frozen diced onions can speed up the preparation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, topped with grated Cheddar cheese for a delicious finish. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a refreshing side, consider a simple green salad or browse more American recipes to complement your chili night.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Apache Pilot Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This chili also freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apache Pilot Chili contains roughly 759 calories, with 38g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (103% of the Daily Value), and protein (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili is hearty on its own, but you might enjoy it with sides like cornbread, a fresh green salad, or tortilla chips for dipping. Additionally, serving it alongside the Low-Fat Banana-Date Cake can provide a delightful sweet contrast after the meal.
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).