Fr. Bob'S Hot Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. corn oil ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (35 oz.) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup New Mexico chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, diced ⓘ
- 2 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in the corn oil and drain excess fat.
- Put the browned meat and all the other ingredients except for the beans into a large soup pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add the drained kidney beans and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with cornbread and a mixed salad. Optional: top with grated Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños. If you're out of New Mexico chili powder, regular chili powder works, but it may alter the flavor slightly. Consider using ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter option. To enhance flavor depth, let the chili sit overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving, as flavors meld beautifully over time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Fr. Bob's Hot Chili hot, garnished with grated Cheddar cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread and a mixed salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try serving it over rice or with tortilla chips for added crunch. This chili also complements other Mexican recipes, making it a versatile dish for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chili in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fr. Bob'S Hot Chili contains roughly 323 calories, with 17g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1350mg per serving (59% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use canned lentils for protein. Ensure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and adjust the spices to taste for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the chili, cooking for an additional few minutes until thickened.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. You could also incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving for a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the chili.
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).