River City Chili
River City Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring lean beef and pork, chili spices, and a rich tomato base. Perfect for comforting gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the lean beef and lean pork in a large pot; pour off excess grease.
- Add garlic, salt, chili powder, chopped onions, dried red peppers, and tomato sauce to the meat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer with a lid on for 2 hours.
- Add water to achieve desired thickness before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider browning the meat in batches to develop a deeper color and taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more dried red peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the lean pork with ground turkey for a lighter option. Adjust the chili powder according to your heat preference, and feel free to add beans for extra texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve River City Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or rice for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This chili is also great for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of River City Chili contains roughly 727 calories, with 52g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (104% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2451mg per serving (107% 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 River City Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat on the stovetop, then transfer it to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty chili.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture. Alternatively, a combination of tomato paste and water can work well. Just adjust the seasoning to ensure the chili maintains its flavor profile.
How can I adjust the heat level of the chili?
To adjust the heat level, start by adding fewer dried red peppers and taste as you go. You can also include a teaspoon of sugar to balance the heat if it becomes too spicy. For a milder version, use sweet paprika or skip the dried peppers altogether.
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).