Big Mikes Chili
Big Mikes Chili is a hearty, flavorful chili packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spicy peppers, perfect for comfort food lovers and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook beef and onions together in a 3-quart saucepan until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
- Drain the grease from the mixture.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, sugar, chili powder, Tobasco sauce, and chopped cherry peppers.
- Heat the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you're short on time, canned diced tomatoes with green chilies can add extra seasoning. For a vegetarian option, swap the beef with lentils or black beans. Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of Tobasco sauce or cherry peppers according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Big Mike's Chili with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Homemade Pepperoni.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, adding a splash of water if the chili thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Big Mikes Chili contains roughly 560 calories, with 34g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), protein (69% of the Daily Value), and iron (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. It also contributes 24g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 advance?
Yes, Big Mike's Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans on hand, you can substitute them with black beans or pinto beans. Both options will complement the chili well and provide a similar texture.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more Tobasco sauce or include additional chopped cherry peppers. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate the spice factor.
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).