Coach Taylor'S Mexican Chili
Hearty and flavorful Mexican chili with ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for satisfying comfort food lovers and ideal for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can chopped tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried whole basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine beef, chopped green pepper, onion, and minced garlic in a Dutch oven; cook over medium heat until meat is browned, stirring to crumble the meat.
- Drain drippings.
- Add kidney beans, tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, dried basil, salt, pepper, and hot sauce; cover.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If desired, serve with shredded Cheddar cheese and corn chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat with taco seasoning instead of just salt and pepper. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want to add some sweetness, toss in a bit of corn or diced bell peppers. For extra heat, add jalapeños or a dash more cayenne pepper. This chili also benefits from resting overnight to enhance the flavors, similar to Cathe'S Taco Meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, garnished with shredded Cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of green onions. It pairs beautifully with corn chips for dipping, or you can serve it over rice for a heartier meal. For a complete dinner, consider offering a side of Spanish Rice With Beef or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. It also makes a great filling for Taco Squares Or Wedges.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coach Taylor'S Mexican Chili contains roughly 1345 calories, with 78g protein, 231g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (345% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (274% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (248% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 924mg per serving (40% 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 beautifully. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove before serving for best results.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh. Ensure to adjust the spices to maintain the flavor profile of the chili.
How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili is too watery, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a bit of masa harina mixed with water to thicken the sauce while enhancing the 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).