New River Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with pasta, seasoned beef, and beans, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying comfort food lovers seeking a spicy, filling meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 28 ounces pureed tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 ounces tomatoes ⓘ
- 15 1/2 ounces kidney beans ⓘ
- 15 ounces pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until al dente, drain and set aside.
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet until browned; crumble and drain excess fat.
- In a large pot, combine cooked macaroni, cooked beef and onion, remaining ingredients, and hot sauce.
- Stir well, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1 hour, stirring frequently.
- Serve hot, garnished with cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier chili, consider adding diced bell peppers or corn. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein. You can also adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce or chili powder. For a touch of sweetness, a small amount of brown sugar can balance the flavors. This dish pairs well with Wonderful Cole Slaw.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the New River Chili hot, topped with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or the Wonderful Cole Slaw for a refreshing crunch.
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 medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing the chili in portions, which can last up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New River Chili contains roughly 1809 calories, with 98g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (196% of the Daily Value), calcium (128% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value). 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 use different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite beans. Black beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans can all work well in place of kidney or pinto beans, adding different textures and flavors to your chili.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or hot sauce to taste. You could also incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Start with small amounts and adjust according to your heat preference.
Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply follow the recipe, allow it to cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving to enjoy its full 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).