My Grandmother'S Quick And Easy Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with beef, tomatoes, and beans, perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings with a mildly spicy kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef until browned and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and diced green pepper (if using) to the beef and cook until softened.
- Stir in the tomato soup, peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, water (if needed), sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 35 minutes.
- Add red kidney beans approximately 10 minutes before the end of cooking.
- Adjust seasoning with Tabasco sauce if desired and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of chili powder or cumin. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or turkey. You can also substitute black beans for kidney beans for a different taste. If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of water or add more tomato paste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Touchdown Dip for a game day spread. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. Consider serving with tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Grandmother'S Quick And Easy Chili contains roughly 255 calories, with 8g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. 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 make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP). Use vegetable broth instead of water, and make sure to check that your canned ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or include diced jalapeños or other hot peppers. You can also try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of chili powder to boost the spice level according to your taste.
Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely! This chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
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).