Chili - Wanda'S Way
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring tender beef, smoky spices, and a blend of tomatoes and peppers. Perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners, its rich taste and comforting warmth make it a crowd-pleaser. Customize with your favorite toppings for added flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak and cook pinto beans until tender, about 3 to 4 hours.
- Brown the beef (chili grind or chuck) until the red color is gone.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Saute chopped onion and bell pepper for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked beans, browned beef, canned tomatoes, Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies, cumin, garlic powder, lemon juice, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to a large pot.
- Simmer the chili for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of chili powder or a diced jalapeño for heat. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with textured vegetable protein or mushrooms. You can also use canned beans to save time, but make sure to rinse them well. Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Jalapeno Cornbread or can be enjoyed with tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or over rice. This dish is perfect for gatherings or game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through until heated thoroughly. Chili also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili - Wanda'S Way contains roughly 973 calories, with 37g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (110% of the Daily Value), and protein (74% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1504mg per serving (65% 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 for this chili?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for beef, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils for a vegetarian version. Each will provide a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the spice level, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use spicier varieties of canned tomatoes or add a tablespoon of chili powder for an extra kick.
Is it necessary to soak the beans beforehand?
Soaking the beans helps to reduce cooking time and ensure even cooking. However, if you're short on time, you can use canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained. Just add them to the pot later in the cooking process to heat them through.
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).