Megan'S Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for satisfying a crowd and suitable for casual family dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can dark red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic until the meat is browned.
- Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Stir in undrained tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, crushed basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. If you like it spicier, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños. This chili can also be made vegetarian by using beans and mushrooms instead of meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Megan's Chili with freshly baked cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Chilli Mac for a comforting dinner. For a complete meal, consider a side salad or tortilla chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Megan'S Chili contains roughly 709 calories, with 32g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2461mg per serving (107% 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?
Yes, Megan's Chili can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply store it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat when you're ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep or making for gatherings.
How can I thicken my chili?
If you find your chili too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water or add a small amount of masa harina for a traditional thickening method.
What can I add to make it more nutritious?
To boost the nutrition of Megan's Chili, consider adding diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also incorporate quinoa or lentils for extra protein and fiber. This will enhance the dish while keeping it delicious and satisfying.
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).