Karla'S Chili
Karla's Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground beef, beans, and pasta in a savory tomato-based sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pan, brown hamburger with onion and Worcestershire sauce.
- After browning, drain excess grease.
- Add chili powder, tomato juice, salt, brown sugar, and chili beans. Simmer all day.
- One hour before serving, add spaghetti or macaroni and cook until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños when browning the meat. You can substitute the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for a slightly different taste. If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the tomato juice or add a can of crushed tomatoes. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or black beans instead of hamburger.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Karla's Chili with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top for added richness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try serving it over baked potatoes or alongside Vi'S Baked Beans for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until hot. This chili can be frozen for up to 3 months; just let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Karla'S Chili contains roughly 491 calories, with 9g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1195mg 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 hamburger with cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative. Just ensure to adjust the seasonings to maintain the flavor profile.
How can I make the chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also use a spicier chili powder blend instead of the Mexene chili powder to give it an extra kick.
Can I prepare the chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it before serving. It's a great option for meal prepping or making for gatherings.
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).