Melva'S Chili
A hearty, spicy chili with tender beef and beans, rich tomato flavors, perfect for comforting meals and gatherings, suited for those who enjoy bold, savory dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 pound beef steak, cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 1 pound ground meat ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 3 cups beef broth or water ⓘ
- 14 oz can whole tomatoes, crushed ⓘ
- 6 oz can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cans red kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, heat oil and quickly fry the beef steak and ground meat until tender.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until onions are tender.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, and beef broth or water.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add red kidney beans if desired, then simmer for another 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if desired. If you have leftover chili, try using it as a filling for tacos or burritos for a different meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, try it alongside the Beef-Barley-Kale Soup. This dish also makes a great filling for baked potatoes or nachos.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to prevent splatters, for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Melva'S Chili contains roughly 1249 calories, with 97g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (194% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (177% of the Daily Value), and iron (167% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1226mg per serving (53% 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 advance?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day ahead, cool it completely, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Water can also work in a pinch, but the broth adds depth, so consider adding more spices if using water.
Is this chili suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chili freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove.
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).