Black Velvet Chili
A hearty, spicy chili featuring tender beef and bold chili flavors, perfect for cold evenings or casual gatherings, appealing to chili lovers and comfort food fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chili beef in a skillet or pot.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the meat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, water, salt, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and pork. If you're short on time, you can use canned beans for added texture and protein. Adjust the chili powder according to your heat preference, and feel free to add diced bell peppers for extra sweetness. This chili pairs well with cornbread or can be served over Texas Spaghetti for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Black Velvet Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, diced onions, or a dollop of sour cream. It works well as a filling for burritos or can be served alongside crusty bread. For a complete meal, pair it with a side salad or some crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Black Velvet Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Velvet Chili contains roughly 975 calories, with 45g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (143% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2653mg 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 make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chili beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils for a hearty vegetarian alternative. Adjust your cooking time as needed, since lentils cook faster than meat. You can also add more beans for protein and texture.
How spicy is this chili?
The spice level of Black Velvet Chili can be adjusted based on your chili powder choice. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less chili powder and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it's hard to take it out if it becomes too spicy.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, making chili ahead of time is a great idea! In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the fridge. Prepare it up to a day in advance and simply reheat when ready to serve. This is a perfect dish for entertaining or meal prep.
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).