Chilly Day Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with beef, beans, and a hint of smokiness, perfect for cold days or casual gatherings, appealing to spice lovers and comfort food fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pan, sauté onions and green pepper in 2 tablespoons of oil until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring often.
- Add partially drained red kidney beans and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, makes about 10 cups.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chili, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you're short on time, substitute canned diced tomatoes for fresh ones. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or beans. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted based on your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a hearty lunch, consider serving it with Rye Krisp Squares for a delightful crunch. This dish is perfect for gatherings, making it a great option for parties or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilly Day Chili contains roughly 608 calories, with 20g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (156% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1592mg per serving (69% 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 tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat on the stove before serving.
What can I add to make it thicker?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water, or let it simmer longer to reduce excess liquid. Adding crushed tortilla chips can also help thicken the consistency.
Can I substitute the kidney beans for another type?
Yes, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different beans have varying cooking needs.
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).