Frank'S Chili
A hearty, smoky chili packed with ground steak, smoked kielbasa, beans, and robust spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. extra lean ground steak ⓘ
- 1 lb. extra lean, finely diced smoked kielbasa ⓘ
- 1 c. finely chopped white onion ⓘ
- 1 c. finely diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 30 oz. canned dark red kidney beans ⓘ
- 3 (28 oz.) cans tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dry cilantro (Spanish parsley) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dry parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. canola oil ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and sauté chopped white onion and garlic over medium heat until lightly browned.
- Add the ground steak to the pan and cook over high heat, stirring constantly until browned, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the finely diced smoked kielbasa, green pepper, barbecue sauce, tomato puree, kidney beans, dry cilantro, dry parsley, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and ground cumin to the pan.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and let cook uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chili, consider adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can substitute the smoked kielbasa with turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of tomato puree or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the pot. Using fresh herbs instead of dried can elevate the flavor, but adjust quantities accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. A side of cornbread or tortilla chips complements this chili well. For a complete meal, pair with a fresh salad or browse more American recipes for additional side options that enhance the flavors of Frank's Chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Chili often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frank'S Chili contains roughly 5305 calories, with 173g protein, 568g carbohydrates, and 348g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (669% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (425% of the Daily Value), and protein (346% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2988mg per serving (130% 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 in advance?
Yes, Frank's Chili is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen and improve after a day, making it a great option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the heat in your chili, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and add more to taste as it simmers. You can also include mild green chiles if you want flavor without too much heat, or add more spicy peppers for an extra kick, adjusting based on your preference.
What can I serve with this chili?
Frank's Chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it with a side of coleslaw for crunch. For an extra refreshing contrast, consider a simple green salad. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal.
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).