"Bearly" Hot Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and a rich tomato base, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion in a large skillet or pot.
- Drain, rinse, and pat dry the cooked ground beef and onion mixture.
- Using a large pot, combine tomato soup and water; bring to a boil.
- Add drained kidney beans, chili powder, tomato slices or wedges, and cooked ground beef to the pot.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika. If you prefer a meatless option, substitute ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your heat preference or experiment with adding jalapeños for extra spice. This chili can also be enhanced with toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try it as a topping for baked potatoes or alongside some Open-Face Beef Sandwiches. Garnish with fresh cilantro or diced avocado for added flavor and color. Pair it with a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored 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 bowl until heated through. This dish also freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Bearly" Hot Chili contains roughly 635 calories, with 13g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1187mg per serving (52% 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 a different type of meat for this chili?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want a vegetarian version, lentils or beans are great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is cooked through.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To control the heat level, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and taste as you go. You can also add diced bell peppers for sweetness or include fresh jalapeños for heat. For a milder flavor, consider using mild chili powder.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover chili is incredibly versatile! Use it as a filling for tacos, a topping for nachos, or mix it into macaroni and cheese for a comforting twist. You can also incorporate it into soups or casseroles for added flavor.
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).