Lo-Lo Chili
Lo-Lo Chili is a hearty, low-salt chili packed with ground beef, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1 lb. 93% or 96% low-fat ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 6 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans no salt stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can no salt kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can no salt tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 oz. envelope onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat a Dutch oven with vegetable cooking spray and heat over medium-high until hot.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- Wipe drippings from the Dutch oven.
- Recoat the Dutch oven with cooking spray.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until tender.
- Add cooked ground beef, chopped stewed tomatoes, drained kidney beans, tomato sauce, onion soup mix, water, chili powder, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then cover.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or oregano to the chili. If you'd like a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Additionally, using fresh tomatoes instead of canned can enhance the taste. Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference, and remember that letting the chili sit for a few hours or overnight can improve its flavor, much like how Chili Warms The Heart.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Lo-Lo Chili with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro on top for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a cozy dinner, consider serving alongside Minestrone In Minutes for a hearty spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or use a microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Lo Chili contains roughly 155 calories, with 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1200mg 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 use other types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, feel free to substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or any other variety. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed if using canned beans to reduce sodium content.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a deliciously simmered 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).