Ellen'S Chili
Ellen's Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic together in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the beef mixture.
- Stir in chili powder, flour, salt, cumin, sugar, tomato sauce or canned tomatoes, and water.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, or use canned chili beans for added texture. Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper, depending on your preference. If you like a thicker chili, increase the flour or let it simmer longer without a lid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. For a complete spread, consider serving with a fresh salad or alongside a bowl of A 3-Bean Bake for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ellen'S Chili contains roughly 820 calories, with 24g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2110mg per serving (92% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making chili a day in advance enhances its flavor. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot.
What can I add to make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of beans like black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. You can also add more vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
How can I thicken my chili if it's too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water or add more flour to thicken it up quickly.
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).