Southern Chili For Four
A hearty Southern chili packed with beef, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for comforting gatherings and flavor enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 medium green peppers, diced ⓘ
- 4 oz. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 2 cloves ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine beef and water; simmer about 15 minutes or until the meat loses its red color.
- Separate meat from liquid and chill both.
- Remove any congealed fat.
- Set aside 3/4 cup of beef broth.
- In a saucepan, combine green peppers, onion, jalapeno, celery, and garlic.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings, and the reserved 3/4 cup of beef broth.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with the spices before adding water. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use canned tomatoes for convenience. If you prefer more heat, increase the jalapeno or cayenne pepper. This chili also pairs beautifully with Reva'S Meat Loaf for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs like cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or rice for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it inside baked potatoes or alongside Stuffed Bell Peppers For Two for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Chili For Four contains roughly 1298 calories, with 50g protein, 225g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (333% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (273% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2664mg per serving (116% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove before serving for the best taste and texture.
What can I add for more protein?
To increase the protein content, consider adding beans such as kidney beans or black beans to the chili. You can also mix in some cooked lentils or shredded chicken for a different twist while keeping the core flavors intact.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative like lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein. You can also add more vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, to enhance the texture and flavor while keeping it hearty.
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).