Political Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with robust spices, tender beans, and savory ground beef, perfect for gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking a spicy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup oil ⓘ
- 5 medium onions, sliced ⓘ
- 3 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 3 cans (20 oz.) red beans or Oklahoma pinto beans, precooked ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon Tabasco ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 2 cans (1 lb. 12 oz.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a 6 or 8-quart saucepan.
- Add sliced onions and cook until tender but not brown.
- Add ground beef; sprinkle with chili powder, salt, paprika, Tabasco, and oregano.
- Cook meat until brown, breaking it up with a fork as it cooks.
- Add tomatoes and tomato paste, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add beans and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of beer or beef broth while simmering. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the Tabasco or add jalapeños. For a vegetarian version, use black beans and textured vegetable protein instead of beef. This recipe is similar to other hearty beef recipes like Mom's Hearty Vegetable Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Political Chili with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. A fresh green salad pairs well to balance the richness. This dish is perfect for game days or gatherings, much like Sloppy Goulash, bringing everyone together around the table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Political Chili contains roughly 1028 calories, with 27g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (215% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1012mg per serving (44% 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?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it a day in advance and simply reheat it when you're ready to serve. Just keep in mind to store it properly in the fridge.
What can I serve with Political Chili?
Political Chili is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad. You can also top it with cheese, avocado, or sour cream for extra flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more or less Tabasco sauce according to your preference. For a milder chili, use less or opt for a milder chili powder. Conversely, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
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).