Ricardo'S Chili Con Carne
Ricardo's Chili Con Carne offers a hearty, flavorful blend of ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a heavy skillet; break it up with a spoon or fork as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; cook until soft.
- Add tomatoes, salt, chili powder, hot pepper sauce, and paprika.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
- Add hot water if necessary to prevent the mixture from thickening too much.
- Add kidney beans and heat thoroughly.
- Cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Just before serving, reheat until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground chuck and ground turkey. If you're out of kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans make great substitutes. Adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of hot pepper sauce or chili powder to suit your taste. For an extra kick, try adding a spoonful of Hot Sauce (Satan'S Sauce) during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with Baked Corn Chips for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider a side of Melissa'S Southwestern Black Bean Salsa or some warm Marie'S Mexican Fried Bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen the chili, then heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. This will help maintain its rich flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ricardo'S Chili Con Carne contains roughly 797 calories, with 35g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (128% of the Daily Value), iron (74% of the Daily Value), and protein (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2020mg per serving (88% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and lentils. This will add texture and protein while keeping the dish hearty. Also, ensure you use vegetable broth and skip the hot pepper sauce if you're avoiding spicy ingredients.
How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili is too watery, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mash a portion of the kidney beans and stir them back into the mix to thicken it naturally. Adding a tablespoon of cornmeal can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
What's a good way to spice up leftovers?
To spice up leftover chili, try stirring in some fresh herbs like cilantro or adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. For an extra layer of flavor, you can mix in some diced jalapeños or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce. This will refresh the dish and enhance the overall 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).