Dixie Chili
Dixie Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that create a rich, spicy profile. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, cheese, onions, and oyster crackers for a comforting, Southern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onions in a large pot.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the browned meat and onions.
- Cook over low flame for 3 hours, skimming off excess fat as needed.
- Serve the chili over spaghetti.
- Top with grated cheese and raw chopped onions.
- Serve with oyster crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and ground pork. If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute kidney beans for the chili beans if desired. Make sure to finely chop the garlic to maximize its flavor in the dish. Skimming off excess fat during cooking will result in a cleaner chili.
Serving Suggestions
This Dixie Chili pairs beautifully with grated cheese and raw chopped onions on top, enhancing its texture and flavor. For a complete meal, serve it over spaghetti or alongside oyster crackers for a crunchy contrast. You might also consider a simple side salad or cornbread to round out the meal, making it a comforting dinner option.
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 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dixie Chili contains roughly 1776 calories, with 41g protein, 208g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (151% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1513mg per serving (66% 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
How do I make the chili vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a combination of lentils and chopped vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of water and ensure that all canned ingredients, like the chili beans and tomato sauce, are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making Dixie Chili a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve. Many chili recipes actually taste better the next day, making it a perfect choice for meal prep.
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).