One Alarm Chili
A hearty, spicy chili with rich tomato and cumin flavors, perfect for warming up and satisfying a crowd. Adjustable heat makes it suitable for all spice lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the browned meat and stir well.
- Make a paste of 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch and 1 cup water, then add to the chili for thickening.
- Simmer the chili for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground chuck and ground pork. If you're short on chili powder, you can substitute with a combination of paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper to achieve a similar heat. To make this dish even heartier, add canned beans or diced bell peppers. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired spice level, but remember, it can always be added later if you prefer a milder chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the One Alarm Chili with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing Watergate Salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it in a bread bowl.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Alarm Chili contains roughly 1200 calories, with 45g protein, 249g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (481% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (296% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2004mg per serving (87% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat on the stove before serving, and you'll have a delicious meal ready to go.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of One Alarm Chili, substitute the ground chuck with a plant-based meat alternative or increase the amount of beans. You can use black beans, kidney beans, or lentils for protein. Adjust the seasoning to ensure it remains flavorful, and you’ll have a satisfying vegan chili.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili pairs well with a variety of sides. Classic options include cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh side salad. For a heartier meal, serve it over rice or baked potatoes. A fruity drink like Lemon Party Punch can also complement the dish nicely, adding a refreshing contrast to 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).