Apple Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with a hint of sweetness from apple, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners with a spicy, tangy kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion until almost done.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add sugar, vinegar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, chopped apple, salt, pepper, garlic, and Tabasco to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on this dish, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can work as substitutes. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the apples. This Apple Chili is a great way to incorporate fruits into savory dishes, similar to other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Apple Chili with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top can elevate the dish further. It pairs beautifully with Savory Rice Pie With Hamburger Crust for a comforting dinner option, making it a satisfying choice for chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it's hot all the way through before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Chili contains roughly 96 calories, with 1g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1477mg per serving (64% 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 use canned beans in this chili?
Yes, you can add canned beans for extra protein and fiber. Rinse and drain them before adding them to the skillet. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are heated through without becoming mushy.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
For this chili, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal as they balance the heat of the spices. Avoid overly sweet varieties, as they may alter the intended flavor profile of the dish.
Is this chili suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This Apple Chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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).