Chile
A hearty chili featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for comfort food lovers and suitable for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. celery powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Crisco ⓘ
- 1 1/2 (2-inch) onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cans water ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onion and garlic in Crisco oil until limp.
- Add ground beef and brown.
- Add all ingredients except macaroni and beans.
- Simmer for 40 minutes.
- Prepare macaroni as per instructions.
- Add macaroni and beans to the chili.
- Simmer for 10 minutes more.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce to taste. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or beans. You can also use crushed tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes for a smoother texture. Experiment with different beans or add corn for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side of tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or browse more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of water if it has thickened too much, and heat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chile contains roughly 852 calories, with 44g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (266% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (139% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2142mg per serving (93% 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! Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply prepare it in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat when you're ready to serve, and it will be just as delicious.
What can I substitute for kidney beans?
You can easily substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer. Each option will add a unique flavor and texture to the chili while maintaining its hearty nature.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more or less chili powder according to your taste. For additional heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, if you prefer it milder, reduce the chili powder and omit any spicy additions.
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).