Hot Chili
Hot Chili is a hearty, spicy dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and bold chili flavors. Perfect for chili lovers and those craving comfort food with a kick, it’s versatile for family dinners or casual gatherings. Topped with cheese, lettuce, and sour cream, it’s a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic in a large skillet.
- Cook until the meat is light brown.
- Add chili powder, oregano, ground cumin, salt, chopped jalapeno peppers, canned tomatoes, hot water, and remaining ingredients (except beans).
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add beans (as many as desired) and heat until hot.
- Serve with grated cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. Good with Mexican corn bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try browning the ground beef in batches and deglazing the skillet with a splash of beef broth. If you want a spicier kick, add more chopped jalapenos or even a dash of cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. You can also use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot chili with grated cheese, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Mexican corn bread or can be enjoyed alongside tortilla chips for a fun twist. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Easy Taco Casserole as a hearty companion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Chili contains roughly 1322 calories, with 80g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (228% of the Daily Value), protein (160% of the Daily Value), and iron (156% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1403mg per serving (61% 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 ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just cool completely before refrigerating, and it will keep well for up to 4 days.
What type of beans should I use?
You can use either kidney beans or pinto beans based on your preference. For added texture, consider using a mix of both. Just ensure to rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the chili.
Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely! This chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up on the stove.
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).