Pennsylvania Chili (Sweet)
Pennsylvania Chili (Sweet) offers a hearty and flavorful blend of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and kidney beans, sweetened with sugar and seasoned with chili powder. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering a balanced mix of sweetness and spice that appeals to all palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and celery in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, brown the hamburger and drain the fat.
- When the vegetables are tender, add the cooked hamburger and undrained kidney beans to the pot.
- Simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add chili powder to taste, depending on how hot you like it.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chili, consider adding a can of tomato paste or pureeing some of the cooked tomatoes. If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar or substitute honey. Experiment with different beans, like black beans or pinto beans, for variety. For an extra kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pennsylvania Chili hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with Kraft Macaroni Dinner or cornbread for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside a light salad like Broccoli Rice Salad(First Place Salads, 1994 Rice Contest) to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through, for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania Chili (Sweet) contains roughly 992 calories, with 32g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (271% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1738mg per serving (76% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the hamburger with plant-based ground meat or additional beans and lentils. You can also add more vegetables for texture and flavor, such as mushrooms or zucchini.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To adjust the spiciness, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and taste as you go. You can also add milder spices or omit the chili powder altogether for a sweeter chili. For more heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I freeze Pennsylvania Chili?
Absolutely! Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
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).