Perry'S Surprise

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

Perry's Surprise is a hearty, comforting chili dish combining hamburger, beans, and tamales, perfect for cold winter evenings and satisfying for family gatherings or casual dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. hamburger
  • 2 cans chili beans
  • 2 cans tamales
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 c. grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown hamburger over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion, chili beans, and tamales to the browned hamburger.
  3. Heat everything until hot.
  4. Serve with crackers or by itself.

Tips & Substitutions

For a heartier dish, consider adding bell peppers or corn to the mix. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you're looking to cut down on sodium, opt for low-sodium chili beans. For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños, which can enhance flavors just like in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Perry's Surprise with a side of crunchy crackers for added texture. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or cornbread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider topping with additional grated Parmesan cheese or serving it with Warm Blue Cheese Dip for a creamy contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, making sure to cover to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Perry'S Surprise contains roughly 939 calories, with 33g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1685mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).

939 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 33.4g 67% DV
Total Fat 46.6g 60% DV
Carbs 98.7g 36% DV
Fiber 6.6g 24% DV
Sugar 12.1g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1684.7mg 73% DV
Potassium 724.7mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 52.8mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 42.1mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 5.4mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 282.3mg 22% DV
Iron 6.9mg 39% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk

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 recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the hamburger with a mix of black beans and lentils or using a plant-based meat alternative. This will maintain the heartiness of the dish while keeping it meat-free.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, you can incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper while cooking. Additionally, using spicier chili beans or adding a few dashes of hot sauce can elevate the spice level to your preference.

What can I serve with Perry's Surprise?

This dish is great on its own, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with a side of tortilla chips or a simple green salad. For a comforting addition, consider cornbread or garlic bread to soak up the flavors.

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).

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