Outback Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili featuring ground steak, kidney beans, and bold spices, perfect for satisfying cravings and serving a crowd on cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. coarse ground steak ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 package chili seasoning ⓘ
- 2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- Texas Pete (optional) ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 cans red kidney beans
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. chopped tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine beef, garlic, and onion in a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven.
- Cook and stir until beef is brown.
- Drain fat; add remaining ingredients.
- Reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour, uncovered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with onions before adding the garlic and other ingredients. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper or a dash of hot sauce. A splash of beer can also enhance the taste, reminiscent of other beef recipes like Classic Swiss Steak.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with Easy Chili 'On Chips' for a fun appetizer. For a complete meal, consider a side salad or some crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, simmer on the stovetop or heat in the microwave until steaming hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Outback Chili contains roughly 1225 calories, with 53g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (255% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 581mg per serving (25% 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?
Yes, this chili can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after sitting overnight in the fridge. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with a mix of beans and lentils. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to enhance the texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of chili seasoning?
If you don't have chili seasoning, you can create your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste, keeping in mind that homemade blends might be less intense than store-bought.
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).