Fast And Easy Texas Chili
A quick, hearty Texas chili with spicy V-8 juice and hamburger, perfect for a flavorful meal that can be served over pasta or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry hamburger in a large pot; drain.
- Add hot and spicy V-8 juice and tomato paste to the pot.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve over elbow macaroni if desired.
- Medium or mild picante sauce may be substituted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped onions, garlic, or bell peppers while frying the hamburger. You can also spice it up with a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder. If you don't have hot and spicy V-8 juice, regular tomato juice mixed with hot sauce can work as a substitute. This recipe is reminiscent of Dub Rhodes Chili (Texas State Champion, 1960'S) for its simplicity and speed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Texas chili over elbow macaroni for a comforting meal, or consider pairing it with cornbread for a classic touch. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. A side of tortilla chips adds a nice crunch. This dish also pairs beautifully with Creamy Potato Chowder for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour the chili into a pot and warm it over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual servings, using a covered microwave-safe dish, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fast And Easy Texas Chili contains roughly 448 calories, with 23g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value) and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 919mg per serving (40% 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 ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for hamburger in this recipe. It will give you a lighter version of the chili while still providing great flavor. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey can be milder than beef.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add chopped jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or extra chili powder. Adjust to taste as you simmer the chili, keeping in mind that the flavors will intensify over time.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?
Absolutely! You can replace the hamburger with a mix of beans like kidney and black beans, or even lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth and skip the meat for a hearty vegetarian chili that still has great flavor.
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).