Reba'S Hot-N-Chunky Chili
Reba's Hot-N-Chunky Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish with tender beef, rich tomatoes, and spicy peppers, perfect for cozy gatherings and chili lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook the chopped onion in vegetable oil for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
- Remove the onion and garlic to a plate.
- Add beef stir-fry in batches and cook until well browned, about 5 to 6 minutes each batch.
- Return the cooked onion and garlic along with the beef to the saucepan.
- Add whole tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, dried oregano, crushed red pepper, chopped green pepper, and water.
- Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally to break up the tomatoes, for 1 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Add the chopped green pepper.
- Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for another 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and stir-fry beef. If you're looking for a milder version, reduce the chili powder and crushed red pepper. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the umami flavor. To save time, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with Reuben Dip A-La-Val for a fun appetizer spread. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor, and enjoy with a side of tortilla chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This chili also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Reba'S Hot-N-Chunky Chili contains roughly 474 calories, with 16g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (172% of the Daily Value), iron (111% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 767mg per serving (33% 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 together. You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, start with less chili powder and crushed red pepper, then taste as it simmers. You can always add more if you prefer a spicier chili. Consider including some diced jalapeños for an added kick.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the stir-fry beef with a mix of beans, such as kidney and black beans, or use textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a meat-like texture. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is 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).