Chili (Mexico)
A hearty Mexican chili with ground beef, tomatoes, and beans, seasoned with chili spices. Perfect for comforting gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in shortening.
- Add diced green pepper, diced onion, diced tomatoes, cooked chili beans, sugar, chili seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with some minced garlic and cumin. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're short on time, canned diced tomatoes can work well, but fresh tomatoes provide a fresher taste. Adjust the chili seasoning to your heat preference; try adding jalapeños for extra spice. This chili is perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for future use.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a comforting meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Jane'S Taco Dip for a perfect game day spread. Consider serving a side of Mexicali Dinner Salad for a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili 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, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or use a microwave for quicker defrosting.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili (Mexico) contains roughly 880 calories, with 17g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2638mg per serving (115% 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! Substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils or use meat alternatives like tempeh or tofu. Ensure to choose vegetable broth and beans to maintain the flavor profile. This adaptation makes it a delicious option for plant-based diets.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, try adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to balance the heat. You can also stir in a bit of sugar or some diced tomatoes to mellow the flavors. Serving it with rice can also help tone down the spiciness.
Can I add other vegetables to the chili?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the bell pepper and onion for a heartier chili.
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).