Meat Chili
A hearty and flavorful meat chili featuring ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and chopped onions until the meat is browned and the onions are tender; drain off excess fat.
- Stir in the undrained kidney beans, dark red chili beans, and chunky tomatoes.
- Add garlic powder, dried oregano, ground red pepper, and pepper to the mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for about 1 1/4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat with a pinch of salt before adding the onions. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer longer, and feel free to add bell peppers or corn for extra texture. Adjust the spice level by using more or less ground red pepper, or try adding jalapeños for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or over rice for a heartier dish. Browse more American recipes for additional meal ideas that complement this chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it’s heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Chili contains roughly 319 calories, with 20g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. At about 319 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! You can use black beans, pinto beans, or any other bean variety you like. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to match the flavor profile of the beans you choose. Mixing different beans can add more texture and nutrition to your chili.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use more beans and lentils for protein. You may also want to increase the amount of vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, to enhance the flavor and texture while keeping it hearty.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili ends up spicier than you prefer, add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to each serving to help balance the heat. You can also stir in a bit of sugar or honey to mellow the flavors, or add more diced tomatoes or beans to dilute the 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).