My Cousin'S Chili
A hearty, savory chili with ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices, perfect for casual gatherings or cozy nights, offering bold flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the grated onion in a little bit of olive oil; set aside.
- Brown the hamburger; drain excess fat.
- In a large pan, add the cooked onion, hamburger, water, tomato sauce, chili powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients together.
- Cook over slow heat for about 45 minutes.
- Serve with fresh French bread and optionally top with grated Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a diced bell pepper. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked ground beef or turkey for quicker preparation. You can adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference or substitute it with smoked paprika for a different twist. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with fresh French bread for dipping or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with grated Cheddar cheese on top. For a complete dinner, complement with a side salad or some cornbread. Explore more American recipes for additional side ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may also microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it's heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Cousin'S Chili contains roughly 129 calories, with 6g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), iron (72% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2216mg per serving (96% 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 in advance?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for a quick and satisfying meal.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
You can easily incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn into the chili. Just sauté them along with the onion at the beginning to soften them up before adding the meat.
Is this chili suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chili freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
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).