Nell'S Easy Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and chili spices, perfect for a comforting meal that suits family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onions in a large skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add all ingredients to the skillet and simmer for 30 minutes to develop flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chili, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or even lentils can be used for a healthier alternative. For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your taste; some brands are hotter than others. This recipe is versatile and can easily be modified to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It's also great topped with shredded cheese, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with a side salad or some crispy tortilla chips. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread or a classic grilled cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use the microwave; just cover and heat in intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nell'S Easy Chili contains roughly 504 calories, with 24g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 654mg per serving (28% 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! In fact, chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What can I add to make it vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of beans, such as black beans and pinto beans, or use textured vegetable protein. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
How do I make the chili less spicy?
If you're concerned about spice, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a mild variety. You can also add a bit of sugar or honey to balance the heat. Adding more tomato soup or stewed tomatoes can also dilute the spiciness while maintaining flavor.
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).