Home Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili with tender meat, beans, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying gatherings or cozy nights with bold spices and comforting pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cooked meat ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce ⓘ
- 2 pounds pasta, prepared ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the cooked meat and add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and sliced onion; heat to simmer.
- Add spices including chili powder, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, cumin, rosemary, and hot sauce; simmer for 30 minutes.
- If pasta was prepared separately, add it now and cook on low for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked meat or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you're looking to make this dish vegetarian or vegan, substitute the meat with mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of meat-based options. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences; for extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty chili pairs beautifully with Kitchen Sink Salad Dressing for a refreshing contrast. Serve with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for added flavor. For a lighter side, consider serving it with a Cooled Strawberry Fluff for a fun dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or microwave in a covered bowl until heated through. This chili also freezes well; just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Home Chili contains roughly 1170 calories, with 54g protein, 181g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (239% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 662mg per serving (29% 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 actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or for serving at gatherings.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans on hand, feel free to substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture. Each type of bean will add its own unique flavor to the chili.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make this chili gluten-free, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free and consider using gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adjust for dietary needs.
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).