Chili(Makes A Lot.)
A hearty, flavorful chili with smoky bacon, tender beans, and zesty tomatoes, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, offering rich, spicy, and savory notes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. hamburger ⓘ
- 2 pkgs. bacon ⓘ
- 2 cans kidney beans with juice ⓘ
- 3 cans stewed tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 2 cans zesty tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 cans mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 cans spicy chili beans ⓘ
- 2 large green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 hot chili seasoning pkg. ⓘ
- 1 mild chili seasoning pkg. ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and bacon in a large stockpot, leaving a little grease.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the stockpot.
- Mix everything well.
- Cook on low heat for a few hours, stirring occasionally.
- The longer it cooks, the better it tastes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger for a leaner option. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can substitute black beans for kidney beans or use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Always taste and adjust seasonings, especially when using store-bought chili seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions enhance the dish. It pairs beautifully with Cold Stuffed Tomatoes for a fresh contrast. For a complete feast, consider serving alongside Nacho Cheeseburgers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion, and it can last for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili(Makes A Lot.) contains roughly 657 calories, with 42g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (585% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (142% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (131% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 970mg per serving (42% 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?
Yes, you can substitute the hamburger with lentils or plant-based ground meat. Use vegetable broth instead of meat and replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh for a smoky flavor. Adjust the seasoning to ensure a robust taste.
How spicy is this chili?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The combination of mild and hot chili seasoning allows for flexibility. If you're unsure, start with half of the hot seasoning and taste before adding more.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Just make sure to cook the fresh vegetables longer to soften them before adding the beans. Fresh ingredients will provide a different texture and flavor profile.
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).