Chili Kahlua
A hearty, flavorful chili infused with Kahlua, featuring tender ground beef, beans, and aromatic spices, perfect for cozy gatherings and spice lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 bell pepper, chunked ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 12 oz.) can tomatoes, partially drained ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon crushed oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon crushed cumin ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup Kahlua ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 11 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart pot, heat vegetable oil.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add chopped bell pepper, partially drained tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped parsley, marjoram, crushed oregano, crushed cumin, chili powder, salt, and red cayenne pepper; mix well.
- Add Kahlua to the mixture.
- Increase heat until the mixture simmers.
- Add drained red kidney beans.
- Simmer partially covered for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more red cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for lentils or a meat substitute. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance flavor if parsley isn't available. Ensure to sauté the onions and garlic until golden for deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chili Kahlua hot, garnished with additional parsley or cheese if desired. It pairs beautifully with Taco Sundaes or cornbread for a comforting meal. Consider a side of avocado or a fresh salad to balance the richness. Enjoy with tortilla chips for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Kahlua contains roughly 372 calories, with 15g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (255% of the Daily Value), iron (152% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (141% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1546mg per serving (67% 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 recipe in advance?
Yes, Chili Kahlua can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of chili powder and red cayenne pepper according to your preference. Alternatively, add more to increase the heat. For a milder version, consider using sweet bell peppers and omitting the cayenne entirely.
What can I serve with Chili Kahlua?
Chili Kahlua is versatile and pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. For a lighter option, a fresh salad or Mexican Style Stuffed Peppers can complement the dish nicely.
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).