River Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili featuring tender chili meat, tomatoes, and bold spices, perfect for satisfying gatherings or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place meat, onion, and garlic in a large, heavy fry pan.
- Cook over medium heat until the meat is lightly browned.
- Add oregano, cumin, chili powder, tomatoes, hot pepper sauce, salt, and hot water.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your River Chili, consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a splash of beer for depth. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder and hot sauce. If you don't have cumin seeds, ground cumin works just as well. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also be added at the end for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve River Chili with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Coleslaw(Quick And Easy) for a refreshing crunch. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture. Enjoy with tortilla chips for a crunchy side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of River Chili contains roughly 193 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2083mg per serving (91% 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 use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the chili meat. Keep in mind that these leaner meats may require less cooking time and could be drier, so consider adding a bit more liquid or fat to maintain moisture.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make River Chili vegetarian, replace the chili meat with a mix of beans such as black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. You can also add in diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by stirring in a bit of sour cream or yogurt. Adding a teaspoon of sugar or honey can also help neutralize the spiciness. Serve with a side of bread or rice to help tone down the 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).