Rumble Seat Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or a satisfying weeknight dinner with customizable heat and toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a large skillet and drain excess fat.
- Sprinkle the browned meat generously with chili powder.
- Stir and cook for an additional several minutes to develop flavor.
- In a large 5-quart pot, combine tomato juice, stewed tomatoes, beans, and chili seasoning and heat over moderately high heat.
- Add the cooked meat, elbow macaroni, and onions if desired to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Stir frequently during cooking.
- Add chili powder and Tabasco sauce to taste if desired.
- Cook the chili for at least 2 to 3 hours, longer if possible, for better flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced onions and bell peppers when browning the meat. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with lentils or a meat alternative. Adjust the chili seasoning to your spice preference, and feel free to add a dash of cayenne for extra heat. Using 60-90 words of practical cooking tips will enhance your chili experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Rumble Seat Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced green onions. It pairs beautifully with Mike'S Bread And Butter Pickles for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it with cornbread or over rice. This dish is perfect for game day or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly. For a longer shelf life, freeze the chili for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rumble Seat Chili contains roughly 476 calories, with 26g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2139mg per serving (93% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground chuck and then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
How can I make the chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also drizzle in extra Tabasco sauce during the cooking process or as a condiment when serving. Adjust the spice level to accommodate your taste preference.
Can I add other beans or vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for added texture and flavor. You can also add vegetables like corn or zucchini to boost nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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).