Cerra Chili
A hearty, spicy chili with rich flavors of beef, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for warming up and satisfying a crowd with bold, comforting tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 qt. water ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cayenne ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion (optional) ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, heated (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the ground beef, chopped onions, and water in a saucepan. Simmer until the beef browns.
- Add the tomatoes with their juice, vinegar, Worcestershire, chili powder, cumin, allspice, salt, cayenne, cinnamon, garlic powder, and bay leaves.
- Cover and simmer the mixture for 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef and onions separately before adding them to the saucepan. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or add diced bell peppers for extra veggies. For a milder dish, reduce the cayenne and chili powder. If you like a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last hour. This recipe can also be adjusted to fit your taste by increasing spices or adding ingredients from other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cerra Chili hot, topped with shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped onions for an added crunch. It pairs beautifully with Flavorful Rice as a side. For a complete meal, consider offering cornbread or tortilla chips. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for a bit of extra zing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cerra Chili contains roughly 2104 calories, with 102g protein, 325g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (414% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (205% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2417mg per serving (105% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cerra Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving, and consider making a larger batch to enjoy later.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze Cerra Chili for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
What can I pair with Cerra Chili for a complete meal?
For a complete meal, consider pairing Cerra Chili with a fresh salad, cornbread, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it with a side of baked potatoes or rice to soak up the flavors. It’s versatile and can be enjoyed alongside various sides.
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).