Mom Bass' Homemade Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with tomato, ground meat, beans, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings. Spiced just right with chili powder.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Saute chopped onions and bell peppers in a small amount of grease until tender.
- Mix the cooked meat, onions, peppers, tomato soup, chili powder, and kidney beans in a large pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Serve hot over spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the ground meat for lentils or a meat substitute. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, and feel free to include additional vegetables like corn or zucchini for extra texture. Serve with some crusty bread, or try pairing it with Rolled Oats Bread for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot over spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs well with cornbread or a simple side salad. For a fun twist, serve it with Ketchup And Coke Roast on the side for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom Bass' Homemade Chili contains roughly 1315 calories, with 84g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (241% of the Daily Value), protein (168% of the Daily Value), and iron (157% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 900mg per serving (39% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of tomato soup?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to cook them down into a sauce first. About 28 ounces of fresh tomatoes should suffice. Adjust the seasoning as needed since canned tomato soup is often sweetened and seasoned.
Is this chili spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted by controlling the amount of chili powder you add. For a milder chili, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. You can also add diced jalapeños for extra heat if desired.
Can I make this chili in advance?
Absolutely! Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving and enjoy the enhanced flavors.
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).