Eastern Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili with ground beef, green chiles, black olives, and tomatoes, perfect for cold days and satisfying for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook hamburger, garlic, and onions; remove excess fat.
- Put the cooked hamburger mixture into a stock pot.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and cover with a lid.
- Let stand for 1 to 2 hours, reheating before serving.
- For best results, prepare 1 to 2 days ahead and keep refrigerated until ready to heat and serve.
- Serve with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground turkey. If you want a bit more heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if preferred. Sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Eastern Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread, making it a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. The flavors deepen after a day or two, making it even tastier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eastern Chili contains roughly 848 calories, with 30g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1467mg per serving (64% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the hamburger with lentils or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein. Additionally, using vegetable broth and adding more beans can enhance the texture and flavor.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also incorporate spicy sausage if you want a different flavor. Adjust the spices to suit your heat preference.
Can I freeze Eastern Chili?
Absolutely! Eastern Chili freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or microwave.
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).