Chili Galore
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with beans, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners that satisfy and warm the soul.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. can kidney beans (do not drain) ⓘ
- 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained ⓘ
- 15 oz. can black beans, drained ⓘ
- 15 oz. can white beans, drained ⓘ
- Large can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1.5 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped in large pieces ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped in large pieces ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- Cheese (any kind) ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper in a large kettle.
- Add the undrained kidney beans, drained chickpeas, drained black beans, drained white beans, and crushed tomatoes.
- Add all other ingredients: garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper, basil, marjoram, chili powder, and ground cloves.
- Heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
- Serve topped with cheese.
- Great with garlic toast.
- Best cooked the night before to develop flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, try browning the ground beef with smoked paprika or using turkey for a lighter option. You can substitute any beans you have on hand, such as pinto or cannellini beans. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use lentils or more beans instead of ground beef. Consider adding corn for extra sweetness and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a sprinkle of cheese on top for a creamy finish. It pairs wonderfully with garlic toast, which complements the rich flavors. For a complete meal, offer a side salad or cornbread. This dish is best cooked the night before to develop flavors, making it a perfect make-ahead option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; just ensure it's fully cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Galore contains roughly 626 calories, with 38g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value), protein (77% of the Daily Value), and iron (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add more beans or lentils. You can also include chopped vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to enhance the taste.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To heat things up, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also increase the amount of red pepper or chili powder to your taste. For a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle powder or diced chipotle peppers.
What can I serve with chili besides garlic toast?
In addition to garlic toast, consider serving this chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a hearty meal. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also help balance the richness of the chili, making it a satisfying and complete dinner.
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).