Red Hot Lover'S Chili

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

A spicy, hearty chili with bold cayenne and smoky seasonings, perfect for those who enjoy a fiery kick and robust flavors in a comforting dish.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 red or green pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 package chili seasoning mix
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz can pinto beans
  • 1/2 cup cayenne pepper sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey, chopped pepper, and chopped onion until the meat is browned.
  2. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Add the chili seasoning mix, diced tomatoes, pinto beans, cayenne pepper sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Serve hot with tortilla chips and shredded Cheddar cheese.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a hotter cayenne pepper sauce. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken. You can also replace pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans based on your preference. To enhance flavors, let the chili sit for a few hours or overnight before serving; it allows the spices to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chili hot, topped with shredded Cheddar cheese and accompanied by tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. It pairs beautifully with Enchiladas El Paso or La Fonda Del Sol (A Hearty Mexican Dip!) for a complete meal. For extra flair, garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. This dish also makes a great filling for tacos or burritos.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If the chili thickens, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Red Hot Lover'S Chili contains roughly 434 calories, with 20g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1399mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).

434 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.6g 39% DV
Total Fat 24g 31% DV
Carbs 41.1g 15% DV
Fiber 10.3g 37% DV
Sugar 8.8g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1398.6mg 61% DV
Potassium 906.4mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 50.3mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 433.7mcg 48% DV
Vitamin C 30.9mg 34% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 91.7mg 7% DV
Iron 5.1mg 28% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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?

Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better when reheated. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready to serve.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef or turkey with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more beans and vegetables like zucchini or corn for added texture and flavor.

What should I serve with Red Hot Lover's Chili?

This chili is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with cornbread or a side salad. It also complements Mexican recipes well, making it a versatile option for gatherings or casual dinners.

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).

Mexican recipes → Beef recipes → All recipes →