Ladies Aid Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili with ground beef, vegetables, and spices, perfect for satisfying crowds and adaptable with heat levels for any chili lover.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb.) cans undrained chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 4 c. kidney beans (two 15 oz. cans)
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 c. tomato sauce (two 8 oz. cans) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cumin ⓘ
- dash of black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 c. cornmeal ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy pot, brown ground beef, onions, peppers, and garlic. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped undrained tomatoes, chili powder, salt, cumin, black pepper, tomato sauce, and any hot peppers or Tabasco if desired.
- Cover and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Add kidney beans and cornmeal.
- Stir until desired thickness is achieved, as cornmeal thickens and adds flavor.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with toppings of choice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of beer while simmering. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, and feel free to mix in some canned diced green chilies for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ladies Aid Chili with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream on top. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over a bed of rice. For a complete meal, consider adding a side salad or some tortilla chips for crunch. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ladies Aid Chili contains roughly 697 calories, with 24g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1543mg per serving (67% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate. Reheat before serving and consider serving with fresh toppings for a delicious meal.
What can I substitute for kidney beans?
You can easily substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas based on your preference. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, but they'll all work well in this chili.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the spiciness, add chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers during cooking. You can also mix in cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
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).