Chili Stew
Chili Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and kidney beans, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and herbs. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, its rich, spicy taste offers comfort and warmth, making it a crowd-pleaser for chili lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 (14 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans kidney beans (red) ⓘ
- 1 big bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 big onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck with chopped onion, chopped garlic, and diced bell pepper in a large pot.
- Add the stewed tomatoes along with their juice to the meat mixture.
- Stir in the kidney beans, chili powder, brown sugar, celery salt, cayenne pepper, marjoram, and thyme.
- Simmer the stew covered for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground chuck with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper, depending on your heat preference. You can also toss in some corn or diced zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a crisp salad, like Pineapple Peach Salad, or some crunchy tortilla chips for a fun texture contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it loosely to allow steam to escape. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Stew contains roughly 587 calories, with 36g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (152% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), and iron (82% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 43g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground chuck and vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld beautifully.
How can I make this chili stew spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños or habaneros. You can also stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes during the cooking process for an extra kick.
What can I serve with chili stew?
Chili stew pairs well with a variety of sides. Try serving it with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even some grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal. For a sweet finish, you might enjoy a slice of Apple-Cranberry Casserole.
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).