Bill'S "Warm Your Belly Chili"
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and chili beans, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with bold, warming flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Add Lipton onion soup mix, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the beef, and mix well.
- Add the Mexican style tomato sauce and chili beans to the mixture.
- Cook over medium heat until the desired consistency is reached or until heated through, and the aroma is inviting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of spices including cumin and smoked paprika. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of tomato sauce or add in some diced tomatoes. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. This dish can also be made vegetarian by using beans and lentils instead of meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. You can also enjoy it over rice or baked potatoes. For a different twist, serve alongside a refreshing salad or some pickled jalapeños to add an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili 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. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bill'S "Warm Your Belly Chili" contains roughly 67 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1459mg per serving (63% 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 make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and mixing in the spices, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a delicious chili.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, try adding a little sugar or honey to balance the heat. You can also incorporate more tomato sauce or beans to dilute the spiciness. Serving it with sour cream can also help tone down the heat.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 6-8 medium-sized ripe tomatoes should suffice. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the chili. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust cooking time to allow for the moisture content in fresh tomatoes.
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).