Ratatouilli Style Chili
Ratatouille-style chili combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, tender eggplant or zucchini, and spicy chili peppers in a rich tomato base. Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, this dish offers a comforting, vegetable-forward twist on classic chili with vibrant flavors and melty cheese topping.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 32 oz jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 14 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 4 cups peeled and cubed eggplant or zucchini ⓘ
- 4 oz can green chili peppers ⓘ
- 2-3 tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp ground cumin ⓘ
- 6 slices American cheese ⓘ
- Chopped green onion ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, cook ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and the onions are tender but not browned. Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, drained kidney beans, 1 cup water, peeled and cubed eggplant or zucchini, green chili peppers, chili powder, and ground cumin.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the eggplant or zucchini is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, ladle into bowls, top with American cheese triangles and chopped green onions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand, adjusting the amount of water accordingly. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This dish can be served with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Quick And Easy Meat Loaf for a comforting dinner spread. Garnish each bowl with additional cheese and freshly chopped green onions for extra flavor. This chili is also great for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Ratatouilli Style Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a bowl or heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen the chili if it thickens during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ratatouilli Style Chili contains roughly 235 calories, with 11g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (222% of the Daily Value), iron (89% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving, and it will be as delicious as when freshly made.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
You can substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer. Each of these options will add a different flavor and texture, making your chili unique.
Is there a way to make this chili spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños along with the green chili peppers. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to suit your taste.
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).