Crab Apple Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring crabmeat, ground meats, and a blend of spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or spicy dinner nights with bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. crabmeat ⓘ
- 3 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 large Spanish onion, chopped ⓘ
- 12 oz. can beer ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons sea salt
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon curry
- 1 cup applesauce ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 large cans stewed tomatoes
- 4 oz. jar peppers and green chilies ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef and ground pork, then add Worcestershire sauce.
- Drain excess fat and simmer the meat mixture.
- In a separate pan, combine all other ingredients including chopped onion, green pepper, applesauce, tomato paste, stewed tomatoes, peppers and green chilies, beer, brown sugar, cinnamon, chili powder, garlic powder, sea salt, Italian seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, nutmeg, and curry.
- Add the meat mixture to the pan with the other ingredients and simmer for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. If you're short on time, canned beans can substitute for some of the meat, making this dish a bit lighter. To enhance the flavor, letting the chili sit overnight in the fridge allows the spices to meld beautifully, similar to flavors found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Crab Apple Chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Topping with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Quick 'Pigs In The Blanket' for a fun game day spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, to maintain the chili's texture and flavor. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Apple Chili contains roughly 525 calories, with 6g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 713mg per serving (31% 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 use different types of meat?
Absolutely! You can mix and match different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, to suit your taste or dietary needs. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, ensuring the meats are thoroughly cooked. This flexibility can help you create a dish that matches your preferences, similar to Beef recipes.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a combination of beans like black beans and kidney beans, along with lentils for added protein and texture. You can also add more vegetables such as zucchini or carrots to enrich the flavor and substance of the dish.
What can I serve with Crab Apple Chili?
This chili is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with tortilla chips for dipping, or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. For a complete meal, cornbread or rice complements the chili beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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).