Bud'S Chili

Cook: 90 min Serves: 5 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, beans, and smoky spices, perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, offering comforting warmth and bold tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 cans kidney beans (undrained)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder

Instructions

  1. Melt the canola oil in a large skillet and brown the onion, green pepper, and ground beef.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients: tomato sauce, kidney beans, salt, paprika, and chili powder.
  3. Stir well and cook over low heat for 1 1/2 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce for heat. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, and feel free to experiment with additional spices like cumin for depth. This chili can also be topped with shredded cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bud's Chili with cornbread or rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Tampa's Slaw for a refreshing crunch. Consider garnishing with chopped green onions, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. For a complete dinner, serve alongside a simple salad or some tortilla chips for dipping.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bud'S Chili contains roughly 1759 calories, with 9g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 175g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2083mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

1759 kcal 88% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.1g 18% DV
Total Fat 175.2g 100% DV
Carbs 48.3g 18% DV
Fiber 10.8g 39% DV
Sugar 8.6g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2082.8mg 91% DV
Potassium 698.8mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 282.4mcg 31% DV
Vitamin C 64.8mg 72% DV
Calcium 94.2mg 7% DV
Iron 4.8mg 27% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 in this chili?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you're looking for a lighter option. For a more robust flavor, you could also mix in some diced sausage. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

How can I make this chili spicier?

To add more heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. Another option is to stir in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. Start with a small amount, as you can always add more to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I freeze Bud's Chili?

Yes, Bud's Chili freezes well! After it has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through.

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).

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