New Orleans Chili
A hearty and flavorful New Orleans-style chili with Cajun spices, tender beef, and kidney beans, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings in a spicy, robust dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In large saucepan, combine stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked beef, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chili powder, cumin (if using), and cayenne pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in drained kidney beans and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with shredded Cheddar cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your New Orleans Chili, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra depth. If you don't have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes can work in a pinch. For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with lentils or a mix of your favorite beans. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your New Orleans Chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or as a filling for tacos, making it versatile for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Chili contains roughly 484 calories, with 23g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (203% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value), and iron (124% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 37g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 4-5 medium tomatoes should be equivalent to one can of stewed tomatoes. Just chop them and add them to the pot with some extra liquid to compensate for the lack of sauce.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat of your chili, add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also add some chopped chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor boost.
Is it possible to make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the chili ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Cook it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving for a quick and delicious meal.
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).