Mama'S Best Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with tender ground beef, kidney beans, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in an extra large pan until done.
- Drain the grease from the cooked beef.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the pan.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add extra water or tomato sauce if needed.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use a mix of beans such as black or pinto beans. Adjust the spice level by using more or less of the hot chili seasoning. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, as flavors meld during cooking. This recipe pairs beautifully with Outstanding Meat Loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with a side of warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. It also goes well with crackers or tortilla chips for crunch. Pair it with Kentucky Style Vegetable Soup for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Best Chili contains roughly 2062 calories, with 133g protein, 324g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (437% of the Daily Value), protein (266% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, canned beans are a great time-saver and work well in this chili. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the pot to reduce sodium content. Use about 4 cans of your favorite beans for this recipe, and adjust cooking time as they are already cooked.
How do I make this chili spicier?
To increase spiciness, use additional hot chili seasoning mix or add chopped fresh jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go to achieve your desired heat level. Remember that flavors develop over time, so let it simmer before adjusting.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the ground beef first and then transfer it to your slow cooker. Add all other ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just stir occasionally if possible.
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).