Cheap Chili
A hearty and budget-friendly chili packed with beans, savory ground beef, and aromatic vegetables. Its rich flavors and simple ingredients make it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, satisfying a crowd with minimal cost and effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and chop the onion and celery.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot.
- Simmer everything together for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your chili. You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey for a leaner option, or even use lentils for a vegetarian twist. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, and feel free to add additional spices like cumin or garlic powder for extra flavor. This recipe is versatile and can easily accommodate whatever beans you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese or sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh Glorious Tossed Salad to balance the flavors. For a complete dinner, it can be accompanied by tortilla chips or crackers for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheap Chili contains roughly 346 calories, with 19g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 503mg per serving (22% 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 advance?
Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember to reheat it well before serving.
What beans can I use if I don't have kidney or baked beans?
You can use any type of canned beans you have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans. The key is to ensure they're drained and rinsed before adding them to the pot, which can help reduce sodium levels.
Is this chili suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chili freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.
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).