Nana'S Chili
A hearty and spicy chili featuring tender ground beef, seasoned tomatoes, beans, and bold chili flavors, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a large skillet over medium heat and drain off any excess grease.
- In a blender, combine the stewed tomatoes, chopped onion, and chili powder until smooth.
- Pour the blended tomato mixture into a large cooking pot.
- Add the cooked meat to the pot with the tomato mixture.
- Fill the cans of hot and spicy V8 juice, stewed tomatoes, and chili beans with water, then add these to the pot.
- Add the drained dark red kidney beans, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Stir everything well and cook until heated through, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some chopped onions and garlic with the ground chuck before browning it. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of hot and spicy V8 juice or use regular V8 juice instead. Fresh cilantro and lime juice can also enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nana's Chili with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños for extra flavor. It also pairs beautifully with Mound Roll for a comforting dinner. For a fresh side, consider a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Chili contains roughly 269 calories, with 15g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (172% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1338mg per serving (58% 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?
Yes, Nana's Chili can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Nana's Chili, substitute the ground chuck with a mix of lentils or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of V8 juice for added flavor and ensure the beans are vegetarian-friendly.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance it by adding a bit of sugar or honey. Adding more beans or tomatoes can also help dilute the heat. Serve it with sour cream to tone down the spice.
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).