Rustler Hot Chili
Rustler Hot Chili is a hearty, spicy dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and peppers, perfect for cold nights and chili lovers seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 6 or 7 pickled jalapeno peppers, rinsed and chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 cans red kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, onions, green pepper, celery, and garlic in a large pan until the meat is browned.
- Do not drain the mixture.
- Stir in undrained tomatoes and remaining ingredients except kidney beans.
- Simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in kidney beans and cook for another 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Rustler Hot Chili, consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano alongside the spices. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of jalapenos or substitute with bell peppers. For a richer base, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste. This chili also freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy nights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Rustler Hot Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side of tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or the 'All-Purpose Meat Sauce' for a hearty combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rustler Hot Chili contains roughly 647 calories, with 38g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (296% of the Daily Value), protein (75% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1602mg per serving (70% 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 advance?
Yes, you can make Rustler Hot Chili in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better the next day! Just reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
For a healthier alternative, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a mix of beans, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
How spicy is this chili?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The pickled jalapenos provide a kick, but you can reduce the quantity or use mild pickled peppers for less heat. Additionally, omitting the ground red pepper can help tone down the spice.
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).