Shawn'S Chili(Prep Time: 2 Hours)
A hearty, flavorful chili with savory beef, vegetables, and spices, perfect for comforting meals, gatherings, or topping your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups salsa ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 to 4 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 3/4 cup green peppers ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) cans chili beans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- hot sauce to taste (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onions and green peppers in a skillet.
- Combine all ingredients, including cooked beef mixture, in a 3 to 4-quart saucepan.
- Simmer on stove for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until beans are hot and flavors meld.
- Serve as a chili spread for chili dogs, on crisp tostadas, as a burrito filling, or plain chili. Tastes even better the next day!
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. If you want to lighten the dish, ground turkey can be used instead of beef. Also, using fresh tomatoes instead of canned can enhance flavor. Remember to adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference. This chili is also perfect for meal prep – it tastes even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
This chili is incredibly versatile; serve it over nachos for a fun appetizer or as a filling for burritos. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side of rice. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. For a delicious twist, use it as a topping for hot dogs, reminiscent of **Mom'S Hot Dog Chili**.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shawn'S Chili(Prep Time: 2 Hours) contains roughly 1041 calories, with 40g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (727% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), and protein (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a mix of beans or lentils to create a hearty vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots for texture. Adjust the spices to enhance flavors, ensuring it remains delicious and satisfying.
How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and simmering for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or add a small amount of masa harina for a thicker texture. Both methods help achieve that perfect chili consistency.
Can I add other ingredients to the chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your chili by adding ingredients like corn, diced carrots, or even different types of beans. Chopped green chilies or bell peppers can also enhance flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to balance the added ingredients, ensuring a delicious end result.
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).