Kay'S Easy Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and bold spices, perfect for warming up a crowd or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain off the excess fat.
- Add all remaining ingredients, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or a dash of smoked paprika. If you're looking for a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or try substituting black beans for kidney beans. Adjust the heat by modifying the amount of hot sauce to your taste. For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer or add a tablespoon of cornmeal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread or tortilla chips. For a complete meal, consider serving a fresh salad on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to allow steam to escape, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kay'S Easy Chili contains roughly 993 calories, with 51g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value), protein (102% of the Daily Value), and iron (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1057mg per serving (46% 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 omitting the ground beef and replacing it with additional beans, lentils, or even textured vegetable protein (TVP). Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more hot sauce or include diced jalapeños or other hot peppers. You can also incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy chili powder in place of regular.
Can I freeze leftover chili?
Absolutely! 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. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).