Firecracker Chili Stew
Firecracker Chili Stew is a hearty, smoky dish with tender beef, smoky bacon, and bold chili flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners. Rich and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless round roast ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped carrots ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 28 oz. can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the beef cubes in bacon drippings for about 5 minutes.
- Combine browned beef, bacon, and remaining ingredients in a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours or until beef is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the stew. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans work well as substitutes. You can also use leftover roast or brisket instead of the round roast. Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Firecracker Chili Stew with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It's also excellent with cornbread or over rice. For an exciting twist, pair it with Zippy Pasta for a hearty meal. Consider a side salad, like a Seven Layered Lettuce Salad, to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Firecracker Chili Stew contains roughly 965 calories, with 42g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value), and protein (85% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2443mg per serving (106% 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 recipe spicy?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. You can also incorporate cayenne pepper or use a spicier chili powder. Adjust to your taste, but be cautious not to overpower the other flavors.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the boneless round roast with other meats like chuck roast or even ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; ground beef will cook faster and should be browned before adding to the slow cooker.
Is this chili stew suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This chili stew is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and the flavors deepen after a day. Make a large batch and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember to freeze any that you won't eat within 3 days.
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).