Perdernales River Chili
A hearty, smoky chili featuring tender chili meat, tomatoes, and bold spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sear meat with onion and garlic in a Dutch oven until light-colored, stirring constantly.
- Add oregano, cumin, chili powder, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and hot water to the Dutch oven.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer slowly for about 1 hour, stirring now and then.
- Skim off any floating fat before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of beef and pork for the chili meat. If you're short on time, pre-chopped onions and garlic can be a great time-saver. Adjust the heat by using mild or spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes based on your preference. If you like a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Perdernales River Chili with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of 7 Seven Slaw for a refreshing crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Perdernales River Chili contains roughly 2663 calories, with 115g protein, 308g carbohydrates, and 147g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (234% of the Daily Value), protein (230% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2361mg per serving (103% 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 in advance?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy.
What can I substitute for chili meat?
If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of traditional chili meat. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a mix of beans to maintain protein while adhering to vegan recipes.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the spice level, you can use mild chili powder and add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste. Alternatively, serve hot sauce on the side so guests can customize their bowls.
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).