Murray'S Chili
Hearty and flavorful chili with beef, beans, and pasta, seasoned with chili powder, perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook beans and spaghetti in a large pot using enough water for the spaghetti, and do not drain.
- Brown the hamburger meat in a separate pan.
- Add chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, salt, garlic salt, chili powder, and canned tomatoes to the meat.
- Mix everything together and cook until all ingredients are done.
- Add the meat mixture to the beans and spaghetti in the large pot.
- Simmer until flavors meld and the chili is heated through.
- Serve hot or store in pint containers and freeze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you're low on beans, substitute one can with black beans for a different flavor profile. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger meat for a leaner option. Fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime can brighten up the dish before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. Topping it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions enhances the flavor. It pairs beautifully with Chili Biscuits for a comforting dinner. For a complete meal, consider serving a light salad on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Murray'S Chili contains roughly 632 calories, with 40g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), protein (80% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1591mg per serving (69% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the hamburger meat with a mixture of lentils and mushrooms or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. You can also increase the quantity of beans and add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for added texture and nutrition.
How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili turns out too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a bit longer to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the chili to thicken it quickly.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Using diced tomatoes works well, but you can also opt for crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture. If you prefer a more robust flavor, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes or adding a can of tomato paste to deepen the flavor profile.
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).