Dad'S Spicy Hot Chili
A hearty, spicy chili with ground beef, beans, and a robust blend of spices, perfect for satisfying cravings and warming up on cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 28 oz. can pureed tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz. can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 4 oz. can chopped chilies, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 1/4 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- few drops hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown hamburger, onion, and garlic in a large pot.
- Drain off any excess fat.
- Add all remaining ingredients and stir well.
- Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with biscuits and cooked macaroni.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding more cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance. You can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger for a leaner option. If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the water or simmer it longer. Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned can enhance flavor, just add a bit more seasoning to balance the acidity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spicy hot chili with biscuits for a comforting meal, or pair it with cooked macaroni for a hearty twist. For a complete dinner, consider a fresh side salad or cornbread. This dish also pairs beautifully with Overnight Hearty Bean Soup for a delicious meal combo. Top each bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Spicy Hot Chili contains roughly 295 calories, with 12g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (200% of the Daily Value), iron (116% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2069mg per serving (90% 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 in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the hamburger, onion, and garlic first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method enhances the flavors and makes it even more convenient.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the hamburger with a combination of lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Use vegetable broth instead of water, and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based. This will give you a hearty and filling chili without meat.
What can I add to make the chili milder?
If you want a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot pepper sauce. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt as a topping, which will help cool down the heat. Additionally, serving it with a side of rice can help balance the spiciness.
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).