Chili In Bread Boats
Savory chili served in hollowed-out bread rolls, topped with melted provolone, offering a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for casual gatherings or quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can (7 oz.) diced green chilies ⓘ
- 1 can (15 1/4 oz.) kidney or pinto beans, drained ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 6 sourdough French rolls (3 x 5 inches)
- 6 thin slices (6 oz.) Provolone cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sour cream (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 5 to 6-quart pan, stir ground beef over high heat until crumbly, about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; stir until onion is limp, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in chili powder, ground cumin, and ground allspice.
- Stir until spices are very fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, diced green chilies, and drained beans.
- Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thick and beans are hot, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice through each roll about 1/2 inch from the top.
- Lift off the cut portion and hollow out the insides of the bread to make a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
- Pull soft bread from the top to make a lid about 1/4 inch thick; reserve scraps for another use.
- Fill the hollowed bread shells with the chili.
- Top each with a thin slice of Provolone cheese.
- Place the bread shells on a baking sheet and bake until cheese is melted.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. If you prefer a spicier chili, add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, for varied flavor. Serve with a side of corn muffins for a complete meal, similar to American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These chili bread boats make a fun and interactive meal. Pair them with a fresh green salad or some tortilla chips for added crunch. For a hearty family dinner, serve alongside Jack'S Soup to complement the flavors. They also make a great game-day snack or party appetizer, perfect for sharing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. The bread can become soggy, so consider serving the chili separately and filling the bread just before serving for optimal texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili In Bread Boats contains roughly 678 calories, with 31g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value), protein (62% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1283mg per serving (56% 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 the chili ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili a day in advance. Simply cook it according to the recipe and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chili and fill the bread boats just before baking. This can save time if you're hosting a gathering.
What can I use instead of sourdough rolls?
If sourdough rolls are not available, you can use other types of bread, such as ciabatta or hoagie rolls. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the chili without becoming too soggy. Additionally, you can use bread bowls for a similar effect.
Can I freeze the chili?
Yes, the chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. However, it's best to fill the bread boats right before serving to maintain their texture.
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).