Famous Chili
Famous Chili offers a hearty, flavorful blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or a satisfying family meal with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and cook the chopped onion with it.
- Drain the grease from the meat and onion mixture.
- Place the cooked meat and onion in a large pan or crock-pot.
- Add tomato sauce, peeled whole tomatoes, cinnamon, allspice, salt, pepper, chili powder, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves.
- Cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, covered.
- Remove the bay leaves and garlic before serving.
- Serve the chili on a bed of spaghetti and top with grated Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground chuck instead of lean ground beef, which adds more moisture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with lentils or black beans. Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a twist, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder or swapping the white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili over a bed of spaghetti for a hearty meal, topped with grated Cheddar cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad. For a fun appetizer, consider making Chili Won Ton Appetizers to complement your meal. This chili also goes well with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Famous Chili contains roughly 148 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1113mg per serving (48% 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 chili beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can add canned chili beans for extra texture and flavor. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the chili mixture. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they're heated through without becoming mushy.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the spiciness, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix. You can also enhance the heat by using spicier varieties of chili powder or adding crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Is there a way to make this chili healthier?
Absolutely! You can use lean turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Additionally, incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to boost the nutritional value while keeping the flavors robust.
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).