Mom Petersen'S Chili
Mom Petersen's Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish with rich beef, beans, and a blend of spices, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onions, and chopped green peppers in a large pot.
- Add canned tomatoes, red beans, and seasonings including paprika, cayenne pepper, cloves, bay leaves, and chili powder.
- Let the chili cook until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute half of the ground beef with turkey or lentils. Adjust the spice levels by reducing the cayenne or adding more chili powder to suit your taste. You can also add corn or diced carrots for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom Petersen's Chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Nancy Drew Pork Chops Or The Case Of The Smothered Pork Chops for a comforting dinner. For a complete meal, consider a simple green salad on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom Petersen'S Chili contains roughly 3082 calories, with 141g protein, 365g carbohydrates, and 150g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (440% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and protein (282% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans for this chili?
Yes, using canned beans is a great time-saver! Just rinse and drain the beans before adding them to the pot to reduce sodium content. Canned beans will also cook faster, so add them towards the end of the cooking process to ensure they don't become mushy.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this chili, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes like lentils, quinoa, or textured vegetable protein. Increase the number of beans and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance flavor and texture.
What can I do if my chili turns out too spicy?
If your chili is too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese when serving. Additionally, adding a bit of sugar or honey can help mellow the heat. If possible, add more beans or tomatoes to dilute the spiciness.
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).