Mccluskey Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili packed with beef, vegetables, and spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 (4 oz.) can chopped mild chilies ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet over medium heat.
- Drain the excess fat from the browned hamburger.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, basil, cumin, chopped chilies, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the hamburger with some diced bacon. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you like it spicier, add more chopped chilies or a dash of hot sauce. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with textured vegetable protein or additional beans. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mccluskey Chili with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese on top for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Groovy Cheese Dip or Yvette'S Bean Dip for a great appetizer before the meal. Consider serving it alongside cornbread or tortilla chips for added crunch, making it a satisfying dish for gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. Freezing leftovers is also an option; just ensure to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mccluskey Chili contains roughly 709 calories, with 43g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (158% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (135% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2348mg per serving (102% 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 a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the hamburger and then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, simmered flavor.
What can I serve with Mccluskey Chili?
This chili is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Try serving it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. Additionally, a fresh green salad can balance the richness of the chili, making for a complete meal.
Can I freeze Mccluskey Chili?
Absolutely! Mccluskey Chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
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).