Oriental Chili
A savory, slightly sweet beef chili topped with flaky biscuits, combining bold flavors with a comforting, hearty appeal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans with liquid ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz) can water chestnuts, sliced and drained ⓘ
- 1 cylinder refrigerated biscuits ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large saucepan or skillet.
- Add crushed garlic and chopped onion; cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Stir in condensed tomato soup, water, brown sugar, salt, and chili powder, mixing well.
- Add kidney beans with liquid and sliced, drained water chestnuts.
- Mix all ingredients and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Open the refrigerated biscuits, flatten slightly, and arrange around the outside edges of the dish on top of the mixture, overlapping if necessary.
- Brush biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, until biscuits are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the chili mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili powder. This dish pairs well with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Oriental Chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for an added burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing green salad. This dish is perfect for gatherings, reminiscent of hearty American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Chili contains roughly 1029 calories, with 61g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (179% of the Daily Value), protein (123% of the Daily Value), and iron (112% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2464mg per serving (107% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option. Just ensure you adjust cooking times as necessary to fully cook the meat.
How do I make this chili spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the mixture. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just assemble the biscuits on top right before you bake it to ensure they remain fluffy and golden.
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).