Mouth Watering Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with rich tomato and spice notes, perfect for comfort food lovers and suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried red kidney beans overnight, then rinse.
- In a large pot, add enough water to cover the beans by at least 2 inches. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium.
- Add browned and drained ground beef, tomato paste, tomato sauce, tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic powder, red pepper, chili powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
- Cover and simmer slowly for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more hot water as needed, 1 cup at a time.
- In a small bowl, slowly add 1 cup of cool water to the cornstarch, then stir to combine.
- Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering chili, 1/2 cup at a time, until it reaches the desired thickness.
- Freeze leftovers for a quick meal another night.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier chili, consider adding bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat. If you're short on time, canned beans can be used instead of dried; just reduce the cooking time. For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Adjust the spices to your taste, especially if you love a kick! This recipe can be adapted to fit various American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple salad. You can also enjoy it with a side of rice or over baked potatoes, making it a versatile dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. This makes for a quick meal another night!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mouth Watering Chili contains roughly 350 calories, with 13g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1542mg per serving (67% 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 other types of beans in this chili?
Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each type will bring its unique flavor and texture to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using canned beans.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more red pepper or include diced jalapeños or habaneros. You can also sprinkle in cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce while it simmers. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.
Is there a way to thicken the chili without cornstarch?
Absolutely! You can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or add a small amount of masa harina mixed with water. Alternatively, simmering the chili uncovered will help reduce the liquid and thicken the consistency.
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).