Cold Night Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with beans, vegetables, and spices, perfect for cozy dinners and easily customizable with optional mushrooms for added texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion, green pepper, and celery.
- Add hamburger and brown. Drain away grease.
- Add chili beans, kidney beans, green chiles, tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste.
- Let simmer until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of cumin or smoked paprika. If you prefer a healthier option, swap out the hamburger for ground turkey or a plant-based substitute. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added nutrition. Adjust the chili powder based on your spice tolerance; start with a small amount and increase as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cold Night Chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions for extra flavor. This chili pairs beautifully with Iced Salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy it with friends on a chilly evening for a comforting gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Night Chili contains roughly 755 calories, with 36g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), protein (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Absolutely! You can replace the hamburger with a combination of beans, lentils, or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a hearty vegetarian chili. Just ensure to adjust your seasonings to maintain flavor and depth.
How can I thicken my chili if it's too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the chili and heat until thickened.
What kind of beans can I use in this recipe?
You can use any canned beans you prefer, such as black beans, pinto beans, or even cannellini beans. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the chili to reduce sodium content. Feel free to mix different types for added texture!
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).