Chism Special
Chism Special is a hearty, flavorful pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef, rich tomato soup, and zesty chili spices. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, it offers a comforting experience perfect for family dinners and those craving bold, satisfying flavors with a hint of smoky sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 small onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 minced garlic clove ⓘ
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small can corn with peppers ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced black olives ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- grated cheddar cheese ⓘ
- cooked pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven; brown the ground beef with diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper until the meat is well done.
- Add tomato soup, catsup, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce; stir to combine.
- Stir in the can of corn with peppers and sliced black olives.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and simmer on low for 1 hour, adding water as needed to maintain desired sauce consistency.
- Serve over cooked pasta and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. If you want to enhance the flavor, try using homemade tomato sauce instead of canned tomato soup. This dish is also adaptable; feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chism Special over your choice of cooked pasta, such as penne or spaghetti. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with a Hot Reuben Sandwich for a hearty lunch or dinner option. Top with grated cheddar cheese for that extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chism Special contains roughly 1394 calories, with 13g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1146mg per serving (50% 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 recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Chism Special a day ahead. Just follow the recipe instructions, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld even more overnight, making it taste better the next day. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Any pasta works well, but shorter shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce nicely. If you prefer long pasta, spaghetti or fettuccine are great choices. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even spinach for added nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions and bell peppers to ensure they cook through. This will not only enhance the flavor but also make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
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).