Knoxville World'S Fair Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili with ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for casual gatherings and cold days, topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, chopped onion, tomato sauce, kidney beans, garlic, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and salt in a 4-quart pot.
- Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Lower the heat to a simmer.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 4 hours.
- Serve the chili over Fritos, topped with grated cheese, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans. Don't hesitate to adjust the chili powder to suit your taste. For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of tomato sauce or let it simmer longer, as you might with Spicy Fire-House Chili.
Serving Suggestions
This chili is best served hot over a bed of Fritos, topped with generous amounts of grated cheese, chopped lettuce, and tomatoes. For a complete meal, serve with cornbread or a side of Black-Eyed Salad for a refreshing contrast. It's perfect for game day or any casual gathering where hearty American recipes are appreciated.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Knoxville World'S Fair Chili contains roughly 724 calories, with 41g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (157% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), and protein (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1248mg per serving (54% 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 in advance?
Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving. For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe for a crowd-pleasing dish.
What can I serve with Knoxville World'S Fair Chili?
This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, a fresh green salad, or even tortilla chips. For a festive touch, serve it alongside toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, and sour cream. Feel free to explore additional sides from our beef recipes collection for more ideas.
Is there a way to make this chili less spicy?
Yes! To reduce the heat, use mild chili powder instead of regular or spicy varieties. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance out the flavors. Additionally, omitting the garlic or using less cumin can help tone down the overall 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).