Chili For Four
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with beef, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners, with a balance of heat and richness.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 small onions, chopped fine ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb) can tomatoes packed in puree ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp tomato paste ⓘ
- dash hot pepper sauce (Tabasco) ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb) can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp sour cream ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped fine ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot and fry the chopped onions and garlic for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef; stir over moderate heat until lightly browned.
- Stir in chili powder; cook for 1 minute.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, hot pepper sauce, salt, bay leaf, and chopped onion.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Discard the bay leaf.
- Add kidney beans; simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve in bowls alone or over a bed of rice.
- Top each serving with a spoonful of sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños along with the onions. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute. Adjust the chili powder to your taste; you can even add a touch of cumin for a different spice profile. This chili is versatile and can be customized to fit your personal preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili in bowls, garnished with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. It pairs well with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be served alongside a fresh salad or cornbread for a complete dinner. For a twist, consider serving it with a side of Jean'S Quick 'N Easy Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. The flavors often improve after a day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili For Four contains roughly 992 calories, with 27g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (181% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2993mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten the dish. If you want a vegetarian version, try using black beans or lentils as a protein source. The cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.
How spicy is this chili?
The spiciness of the chili can vary based on the amount of chili powder and hot pepper sauce you use. If you're sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and gradually add more, tasting as you go. You can also mix in a dollop of sour cream to mellow the heat.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving, and it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
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).