He Man Chili
He Man Chili is a hearty, spicy dish packed with ground beef, beans, and bold flavors, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual dinners with a fiery kick.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 2 green peppers ⓘ
- 2 red peppers ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 6 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 4 cans stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can V-8 or tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 large can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 large can light red beans ⓘ
- 2 cans Brooks chili beans ⓘ
- 1/4 c. lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onions, green peppers, red peppers, and celery until cooked and tender.
- Add all other ingredients and mix well.
- Simmer the chili for approximately 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding additional red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef can lighten the dish, while still maintaining flavor. If using fresh tomatoes instead of canned, be sure to peel and crush them before adding. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, or explore different varieties for unique flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve He Man Chili with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese on top for added richness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for gatherings, making it a great option for game day or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For a quick option, microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through until hot. Chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months for future meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of He Man Chili contains roughly 488 calories, with 29g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (249% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1495mg per serving (65% 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! Feel free to mix and match beans based on your preference. Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas can be great additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you're using dried beans, as they will need to be cooked beforehand.
How can I thicken my chili if it’s too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, you can thicken it by simmering uncovered for an additional 15-30 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina can help achieve a thicker consistency without altering the flavor significantly.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a combination of chopped mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and check that all canned ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
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).