Jan'S "Night At The Races" Chili
A hearty, spicy chili with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking bold flavors and customizable toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or pot.
- Drain off the excess grease from the cooked beef.
- In a large pot, mix together the Chili-O mix, tomato sauce, and chili beans.
- Strain the whole tomatoes and add them to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve the chili garnished with cheese, onions, salsa, or sour cream as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the whole tomatoes before adding them to the pot. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. This chili works well with the Chili-O mix, but you can use any chili seasoning blend you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. It also pairs beautifully with cheese, onions, salsa, or sour cream for added flavor. Consider making a large batch for game day or gatherings, as it’s a crowd-pleaser that can feed a hungry group. For an extra treat, serve with a refreshing salad on the side.
Storage & Reheating
After serving, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or microwave in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jan'S "Night At The Races" Chili contains roughly 320 calories, with 16g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1273mg per serving (55% 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 your favorite beans. Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans can all be great substitutes or additions to the Brooks chili beans. Just adjust the seasoning as needed to accommodate the flavors.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with a plant-based meat alternative or additional beans. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and flavor. Just ensure that the Chili-O mix does not contain meat products.
What can I do if my chili turns out too spicy?
If your chili is too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese when serving. Additionally, you can add a bit of sugar or honey to neutralize the heat, or include more tomato sauce to dilute the 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).