Gourmet Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground meat, tomatoes, beans, and a hint of chocolate and spices, perfect for comforting meals and crowd-pleasing gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef or chicken ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. coriander ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp. wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Hershey bar ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle over medium heat, cook ground beef until crumbly.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; sauté until tender.
- Stir in stewed tomatoes, water, tomato paste, chili powder, salt, coriander, thyme, oregano, wine vinegar, chopped Hershey bar, and crushed garlic.
- Simmer for 2 hours or until thickened.
- Add drained kidney beans; cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground turkey. You can substitute the Hershey bar with a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a different twist. If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. To enhance the texture, try adding a cup of corn or a can of black beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this gourmet chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Hash Pinwheels With Cheese Sauce for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered bowl, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gourmet Chili contains roughly 563 calories, with 23g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), and calcium (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1457mg per serving (63% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this chili can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting overnight. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing it in the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a mix of beans, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
How can I thicken my chili if it's too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it quickly.
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).