Doug'S Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef, onions, and green pepper until vegetables are tender; drain off fat.
- Stir in tomatoes, beans, salt, chili powder, and bay leaf.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve piping hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chili, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or use a sweet bell pepper instead of green. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. To enhance the dish, add a pinch of cumin or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Doug's Chili with a side of warm cornbread or over a bed of macaroni for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Cabbage Cheddar Chowder for a comforting dinner. Consider serving a light salad on the side to balance the richness of the chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring it's heated thoroughly. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months, thawing them in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Doug'S Chili contains roughly 696 calories, with 25g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1970mg per serving (86% 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 canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, using canned beans is a great time-saver! Just rinse and drain them before adding to the chili. This recipe already includes canned chili beans, which add flavor and texture. If you prefer a different bean variety, kidney or pinto beans work well too.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a bit of sugar to balance the heat. You can also add more canned tomatoes or beans to dilute the spice level. Serve it with a side of bread to help mellow the flavors.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make Doug's Chili vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP). You can also add more vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor, making it a satisfying meatless meal.
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).