Chili By Larry
A hearty and flavorful chili featuring ground beef, tomatoes, kidney beans, and spices, perfect for satisfying cravings and suitable for gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown and drain the ground beef.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper to the beef and sauté until tender.
- Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, salt, chili powder, and bay leaf.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider incorporating garlic or cumin to enhance flavor. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian version, replace meat with lentils or a mix of beans. This chili recipe is versatile and can easily adapt to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try it with tortilla chips or as a topping for baked potatoes. This dish is also perfect for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili By Larry contains roughly 753 calories, with 33g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2875mg per serving (125% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, using canned beans is a great time-saver. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the chili. Canned beans are already cooked, so they only need to be heated through during the simmering process.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to taste. Experiment with different spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to customize the heat level to your liking.
Is it possible to make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this chili in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, hands-off meal.
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).