Chris' Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring tender peppers, ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato base, perfect for comforting gatherings and casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the bell peppers and boil them until tender.
- While boiling the peppers, brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- In a large pot, combine the cooked peppers, browned beef and onion, pinto beans, kidney beans, chili beans, tomato juice, and chili seasoning.
- Cook the mixture for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, garnished with sweet pickles, olives, and shredded Cheddar cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or corn to the chili mixture. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef. Make sure to drain and rinse the canned beans to reduce sodium. Adjust the chili seasoning according to your spice preference for a milder or hotter dish. This chili pairs beautifully with cornbread for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded Cheddar cheese, olives, and sweet pickles for a delightful mix of flavors. It's delicious alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with rice or tortilla chips. This dish is a fantastic choice for potlucks or family gatherings and can be paired with other American recipes like cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Freezing is also an option; chili can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chris' Chili contains roughly 649 calories, with 26g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2091mg per serving (91% 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?
Yes, this chili can be prepared a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat it on the stove before serving. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a different flavor profile, try using shredded or ground venison. Both alternatives work well in this chili and maintain its hearty texture.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use additional beans or lentils as the protein base. You might also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
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).