Arizona Chili
A hearty Arizona-style chili featuring ground beef, beans, and a smoky, sweet-sour flavor profile, perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet; drain excess fat.
- In a blender, combine the onion, celery, tomato sauce, and water; blend until smooth.
- Add the blended mixture, beans, chili powder, molasses, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet with beef.
- Simmer the chili for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chili. If you're out of molasses, honey or brown sugar can work as substitutes, although they may alter the flavor slightly. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Leftover chili can be transformed into a hearty filling for Sloppy Joe Under A Bun, adding variety to your meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple salad for a complete meal. For a unique twist, consider serving it over rice pilaf with almonds for added texture and flavor. This chili is also great as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Arizona Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arizona Chili contains roughly 209 calories, with 8g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (141% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2642mg per serving (115% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While kidney and pinto beans are traditional, you can substitute with black beans or white beans based on your preference. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed if using canned beans to reduce sodium content.
Is this chili suitable for freezing?
Yes, Arizona Chili freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils for protein. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauce is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients remain the same for a delicious vegetarian chili.
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).