Chili Elegante
A hearty and flavorful chili with tender beans, ground beef, and a blend of spices, perfect for comforting gatherings and chili lovers seeking a robust taste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups red chili beans or 1 can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons fat ⓘ
- 2 cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 whole cloves ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- dash of paprika ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry sherry ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak dry chili beans overnight. Cook in boiling, salted water until tender. Drain.
- Brown onion, green pepper, and ground beef in hot fat.
- Add tomatoes, seasonings, and dry sherry to the meat mixture.
- Simmer the chili for 2 hours, adding water if necessary.
- Add the cooked beans and heat thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding a touch of cumin. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. You can also use canned beans for convenience but rinse them well to reduce sodium. Adjust the chili powder to your taste for milder or spicier results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chili Elegante hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh green salad or alongside flavorful Mexican recipes like Taco Stuffed Peppers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Elegante contains roughly 1711 calories, with 19g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 158g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (198% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (186% of the Daily Value), and iron (131% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1772mg per serving (77% 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 different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! You can use black beans, pinto beans, or even a mix of your favorites. Just ensure they are cooked or canned before adding them to the chili for the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can also include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to kick it up a notch. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.
Is it necessary to soak the beans overnight?
Soaking beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time, but if you're short on time, you can use canned beans instead. Just rinse them well and add them directly to the chili during the last stages of cooking.
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).