Peanut Chili
A hearty peanut chili blending rich tomato sauce, spicy chili powder, and crunchy peanuts for a flavorful, protein-packed dish perfect for casual gatherings or comforting meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot of water, boil dried peanuts in salted water until tender.
- Pour out the water and shell the peanuts.
- In a skillet, brown the ground chuck beef with the dry ingredients: crushed red pepper, no salt, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Add the cooked peanuts and the bottled pasta sauce to the large pot.
- Simmer the mixture on medium heat for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper or add fresh jalapeños. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Additionally, for a vegetarian version, replace the beef with lentils or black beans. Be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or rice to soak up the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty peanut chili with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for creaminess. It also goes well with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, try pairing it with Joni'S Spaghetti Sauce for a unique flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering it to retain moisture, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Chili contains roughly 493 calories, with 21g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1540mg per serving (67% 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 canned peanuts instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned peanuts to save time. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the chili. However, dried peanuts offer a richer flavor and texture that enhances the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this peanut chili, substitute the ground chuck beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Adjust the seasonings to taste, and keep the cooking times similar for best results.
What can I serve with peanut chili?
Peanut chili pairs beautifully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some pickled vegetables for added crunch and 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).