Chili Americain
A hearty American chili with ground beef, kidney beans, and bold spices, perfect for comforting meals or gatherings that enjoy rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can Italian tomatoes with puree ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans red kidney beans ⓘ
- Cheddar cheese (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and green pepper in a little margarine; set aside.
- In the same pan, brown ground beef, then drain excess fat.
- Add all ingredients except kidney beans to a large pot.
- Slice the tomatoes as they are added to the pot.
- Heat to boiling.
- Reduce to simmer and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Stir in kidney beans with some liquid and reheat until bubbly.
- Serve with grated cheese on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein. You can also experiment with different beans like black beans for a twist. To enhance depth, try incorporating a bay leaf or some diced jalapeños during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chili Americain hot, topped with grated Cheddar cheese for extra flavor. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a side of tortilla chips. For a complete meal, consider a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables. This dish is perfect for gatherings, so don't hesitate to double the recipe for a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated to your liking. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Americain contains roughly 498 calories, with 24g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (210% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (205% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 790mg per serving (34% 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 use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will give you a leaner dish with a slightly different flavor. Just be mindful that turkey can be drier, so you might want to add a bit more liquid or oil when browning it.
Is it necessary to use both types of tomatoes?
Using both tomato sauce and Italian tomatoes adds complexity to the chili. The tomato sauce provides a smooth base, while the Italian tomatoes contribute texture and sweetness. If you only have one type, feel free to use it, but the flavor may vary slightly.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chili Americain tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving, and consider adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
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).