Santa Fe Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili with ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown beef in shortening in a heavy skillet.
- Add the condensed cream of tomato soup, instant minced onions, salt, chili powder, black pepper, and crushed tarragon leaves.
- Add red kidney beans and water to the skillet.
- Heat thoroughly until all ingredients are combined and hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the chili. If you're short on time, use canned diced tomatoes instead of the cream of tomato soup for a fresher taste. You can also swap ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. Serve it with tortilla chips for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Santa Fe Chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with cornbread, making it a perfect comfort meal. Consider adding a side of tortilla chips or a fresh salad to complete the meal. For a heartier option, try it alongside Noodle Con Carne.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Santa Fe Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the chili to a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe Chili contains roughly 286 calories, with 13g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2023mg per serving (88% 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 prepare Santa Fe Chili a day ahead. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.
What can I serve with Santa Fe Chili?
Pair this chili with cornbread or tortilla chips for a delicious meal. You can also serve it over rice or with a side salad to balance the richness of the chili.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture. Just sauté the vegetables with the beef at the beginning to ensure they cook thoroughly.
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).