Chili With Broiled Bananas
A hearty chili spiced with chili powder and herbs, topped with broiled bananas for a unique, sweet-savory twist perfect for gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery with leaves ⓘ
- 1 can (1 lb. 12 oz.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano
- 1/2 tsp. dried leaf basil ⓘ
- 2 cans (1 lb. each) kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 8 firm bananas ⓘ
Instructions
- Break up the ground beef in a Dutch oven or large kettle.
- Add chopped onion, crushed garlic, chopped green pepper, and chopped celery with leaves.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, sugar, salt, bay leaf, oregano, and basil.
- Cook over moderate heat for 30 minutes.
- Add drained kidney beans and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Just before serving, peel the bananas.
- Cut the bananas in half lengthwise, brush with melted butter or margarine, and broil about 2 minutes until tender.
- Place two banana halves on each plate and top with the chili.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with spices before adding the vegetables. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with lentils or a meat alternative and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the dish, and for added heat, include jalapeños or cayenne pepper. This chili pairs beautifully with Barbecued Buns for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
This chili is best served hot, topped with the broiled banana halves for a sweet contrast. Pair it with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try serving it with tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy alongside a refreshing beverage to balance the spiciness of the 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 stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered bowl until heated through. The broiled bananas can be stored separately and added fresh when serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili With Broiled Bananas contains roughly 673 calories, with 35g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), and iron (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1336mg per serving (58% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it up to a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat when ready to serve, and prepare the broiled bananas just before serving.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes. Adjust the cooking time as needed, and don't forget to season well to maintain flavor. Black beans or lentils can also work for a vegetarian option.
How spicy is this chili?
This chili has a mild to moderate spice level due to the chili powder. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Conversely, reduce or omit the chili powder for a milder version. Customize it to suit your taste!
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).