Chili Max
A hearty, flavorful chili with rich tomato sauce, tender beef, and kidney beans, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook kidney beans in water until tender and drain.
- In a pot, combine cooked kidney beans, tomato sauce, and tomato soup.
- Add chili powder to the sauce and stir well.
- Fry the hamburger meat until browned, then strain to remove excess fat.
- Add the fried hamburger to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Cook the creamettes according to package instructions.
- Pour the chili mixture over the cooked creamettes and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce for additional texture. Adjust the chili powder to your taste preference, and feel free to add other spices like cumin or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chili Max over the cooked creamettes for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad on the side. For a fun twist, try serving it with tortilla chips for scooping. Browse more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a damp paper towel, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot. This chili also freezes well for longer storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Max contains roughly 1067 calories, with 62g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (239% of the Daily Value), iron (144% of the Daily Value), and protein (125% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 580mg per serving (25% 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?
Absolutely! You can substitute the hamburger meat with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a richer flavor, consider using ground beef or sausage. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute to keep it hearty and satisfying.
How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little bit of water to create a slurry and stir it into the chili, cooking for a few more minutes until thickened.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just prepare it as instructed, let it cool completely, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
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).