Mild Bear Chili
A hearty, mild chili featuring tender ground bear, vegetables, and a savory tomato base, perfect for comforting meals and outdoor gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground bear meat with chopped onions and green peppers.
- Add the tomato soup, milk, kidney beans, salt, pepper, and chili powder to the meat mixture.
- Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder and use a sweet variety of bell pepper. You can substitute ground bear with ground beef or turkey if bear meat is unavailable. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or using smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also brighten the dish, creating a delightful balance. For a vegetarian option, try incorporating lentils instead of meat and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips, making for a hearty meal. For a refreshing side, consider a simple green salad or some sliced avocado. Additionally, this dish complements well with a dollop of Jalapeno Black-Eyed Pea Dip for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Mild Bear Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the chili to a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mild Bear Chili contains roughly 471 calories, with 29g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and protein (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 531mg per serving (23% 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 a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground bear with ground beef, turkey, or even chicken if desired. Each alternative will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but the chili will remain delicious. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using a leaner meat to avoid drying it out.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the mix. Additionally, incorporating some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes will enhance the spice level. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground bear with lentils or a mix of beans. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Adjust the seasoning to match the heartiness of the beans or lentils.
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).