Chili Vesuvius
A hearty, spicy chili packed with tomatoes, beans, and flavorful herbs, perfect for satisfying large appetites on cold days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean hamburger ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 (15 oz.) cans dark red kidney beans
- 1 (16 oz.) bottle hot salsa ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chiles ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 6 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the lean hamburger in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Saute garlic and diced vegetables (celery, onion, green pepper) in olive oil until tender.
- Combine the drained hamburger with crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and hot salsa in a large pot.
- Add spices including sugar, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the sauteed vegetables and their olive oil; do not drain the vegetables.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with Italian bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños. If you prefer a milder chili, consider using mild salsa instead of hot. Kidney beans can be substituted with black beans or pinto beans if desired. For added depth of flavor, try incorporating a few tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce or smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili hot with slices of Italian bread for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with a side of Barbecued Onions or a fresh B. L. T. Salad for a light contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it over cooked rice or with corn muffins on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This chili also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Vesuvius contains roughly 317 calories, with 7g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 10g 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 ahead of time?
Yes, Chili Vesuvius tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and refrigerate it. Just remember to reheat it gently before serving.
What can I do if my chili is too thick?
If your chili ends up too thick, simply stir in a bit of water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. You can add more crushed tomatoes if you prefer a richer flavor without diluting the spice.
Can I use turkey instead of hamburger?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute for hamburger in this recipe. Just be aware that it may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on it while browning.
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).