Hot Tomatorie Chile
A hearty and flavorful chili with tender ground beef, rich tomatoes, and spicy seasonings, perfect for satisfying a crowd or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. butter or salad oil ⓘ
- 4 medium onions, sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium green peppers, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, coarsely cut ⓘ
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 (20 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. monosodium glutamate
- 1 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 3 (20 oz.) cans kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a Dutch oven, then add the sliced onions, green pepper strips, and coarsely chopped celery.
- Cook until the onion is tender, but not brown.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it loses its red color, breaking it up with a fork.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, monosodium glutamate, hot sauce, and chili powder.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes longer.
- Serve hot with crisp, salted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing garlic or adding a dash of cumin. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap ground beef for lentils or tempeh. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand, just adjust the quantity to achieve the desired consistency. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be easily adapted to your taste by adjusting the spice levels.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with crisp, salted crackers or cornbread for a delightful contrast in texture. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chili-O-Dip for an added layer of flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or your favorite Mexican recipes for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, covering the dish with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture. This dish freezes well too; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Tomatorie Chile contains roughly 101 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 987mg per serving (43% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this chili a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. It's an excellent option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans, feel free to substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each type of bean will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish, so choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
How can I adjust the heat level?
To make this dish milder, reduce the amount of hot sauce and chili powder. Alternatively, to increase the heat, add fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Always taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.
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).