Deep South Chili

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A hearty Southern-style chili with tender ground beef, kidney beans, and a zesty ketchup-based sauce, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs. hamburger
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 c. ketchup
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 1/2 c. water
  • 2 cans kidney beans

Instructions

  1. Brown the hamburger meat with chopped onion, then drain excess fat.
  2. Add ketchup, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt, and water to the meat mixture.
  3. Cook on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or garlic sautéed with the onion. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can substitute ground turkey for hamburger for a leaner option. Adjust the consistency by adding more or less water based on your preference for thick or soupy chili.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Deep South Chili with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Marylou'S Special Brunch for a comforting family gathering. Consider a side salad or tortilla chips for added texture.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Deep South Chili contains roughly 1080 calories, with 63g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (202% of the Daily Value), protein (127% of the Daily Value), and iron (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2815mg per serving (122% of the Daily Value).

1080 kcal 54% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 63.4g 100% DV
Total Fat 27.9g 36% DV
Carbs 158.3g 58% DV
Fiber 56.5g 100% DV
Sugar 7.8g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2815.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 3483.3mg 74% DV
Cholesterol 48mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 743mcg 83% DV
Vitamin C 27.4mg 30% DV
Calcium 485.8mg 37% DV
Iron 21.6mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 meat and onion first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a deliciously melded flavor. This method is perfect for busy days.

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).

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