Jesse'S Easy Chili
Jesse's Easy Chili offers a hearty, flavorful mix of tender ground beef, kidney beans, and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onions.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, black pepper, salt (if using), and water.
- Heat the mixture to boiling.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in kidney beans and cook until heated through.
- Serve hot with oyster crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or even substitute with turkey or plant-based ground meat. To enhance the flavor, let the chili sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge before serving, similar to the way flavors deepen in Fluffy Meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with oyster crackers for a classic touch. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad. You can also explore more American recipes that complement this hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain the desired consistency and heat thoroughly on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jesse'S Easy Chili contains roughly 492 calories, with 31g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value), iron (80% of the Daily Value), and protein (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1190mg per serving (52% 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 vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a combination of lentils, quinoa, or plant-based meat alternatives. Also, ensure that the ingredients you use, like the tomato sauce and paste, are free from animal products for a fully vegetarian dish.
How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the chili until it reaches your desired thickness.
What can I serve with chili besides crackers?
In addition to oyster crackers, consider serving your chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. You could also try it with baked potatoes or atop nachos for a fun twist. Pairing with a simple salad can balance the richness of the chili.
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).