Salsa Chili With Beans
A hearty chili with beans, spices, and vegetables, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual weeknight dinners with bold flavors and satisfying warmth.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans chili beans ⓘ
- 2 (7 oz.) cans chili sauce
- 1/4 c. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 large white onion ⓘ
- 1 large tomato ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can whole chilies ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. turmeric ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sage ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 10 peppercorns ⓘ
Instructions
- Gently sauté the hamburger; drain excess fat.
- Pour chili beans with juice into a 4-quart cooker.
- Chop the onion and tomato.
- Add the chopped onion and tomato to the beans.
- Add chili sauce to the pot.
- Chop the whole chilies.
- Add the chopped chilies to the mixture.
- Add seasonings: chili powder, curry powder, turmeric, black pepper, sage, oregano, paprika, and salt to taste.
- Simmer the chili for 1 hour, then cook covered to retain flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving. You can substitute black beans or kidney beans for the chili beans if you prefer a different texture. If you like it spicier, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian version, replace the hamburger with lentils or textured vegetable protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salsa chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches or cornbread for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, such as Broccoli With Bacon Salad, to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salsa Chili With Beans contains roughly 977 calories, with 40g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (280% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 887mg per serving (39% 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?
Absolutely! Brown the hamburger and sauté the garlic, onion, and tomato first. Then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty chili.
What can I use instead of chili sauce?
If you don't have chili sauce on hand, you can substitute it with a combination of tomato sauce and a bit of hot sauce or diced tomatoes with green chilies. This will provide the necessary tomato base and a similar tangy flavor profile.
Can I freeze leftover salsa chili?
Yes, salsa chili freezes well! Just make sure it has cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
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).