Football Game Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili perfect for game day gatherings, featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and a spicy kick, ideal for satisfying crowds and football fans alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Add ground chuck and cook until browned.
- Add chopped onion and garlic salt; cook until onion is translucent.
- Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Add salt, oregano, and Tabasco sauce; stir well.
- Break up the tomatoes and add them along with kidney beans to the skillet.
- Mix everything well and bring to a simmer.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Cover and simmer for 1 to 2 hours.
- If mixture becomes too thick, add tomato juice to thin.
- When serving, sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats like turkey or pork. Substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if you prefer. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. To save time, chop your onion ahead of time or use pre-chopped onions. This chili pairs beautifully with Broccoli Summer Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with grated Cheddar cheese and perhaps some sliced green onions. It goes well with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a Red Hot Drink to warm up on a chilly day, or serve alongside a fresh salad like Easy-Quick Dump Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice if it has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Football Game Chili contains roughly 468 calories, with 28g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), iron (86% of the Daily Value), and protein (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1196mg per serving (52% 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 different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a unique twist. Just make sure to drain and rinse them if using canned varieties.
How can I make this chili less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, you can omit the Tabasco sauce or use less of it. Additionally, using mild Ro-Tel tomatoes instead of the original will help tone down the heat. Adding a dollop of sour cream when serving can also balance the spiciness.
What's the best way to thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a while to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash a portion of the beans or add a little cornmeal or masa harina to achieve a thicker consistency.
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).