Southfork "Chili"
Southfork Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, its rich blend of chili powder, cumin, and red pepper delivers a warming, satisfying taste that appeals to chili lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 2.5 to 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed or 3 shakes garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb.) cans red kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- 2 cans whole peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can kernel corn ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot and pour off excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, pressed garlic or garlic powder, crushed red pepper, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook until the onion and green pepper become tender.
- Add the drained kidney beans, whole peeled tomatoes, kernel corn, and tomato sauce to the pot.
- Stir to mix well, breaking up the tomatoes with a fork.
- Simmer slowly, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors blend, about 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a mix of beans. Adjust the heat by varying the crushed red pepper or adding jalapeños. To enhance the depth, try incorporating a tablespoon of cocoa powder, which complements the spices well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side of Maple Heights Baked Beans for a hearty meal. For an added crunch, consider serving it with tortilla chips or over a bed of rice. A light salad can balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chili on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the chili has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southfork "Chili" contains roughly 877 calories, with 28g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (236% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (185% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1532mg per serving (67% 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 prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or for gatherings.
How can I thicken my chili if it’s too watery?
If your chili is too watery, simmer it uncovered for a while to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash a portion of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with a little water) to thicken it up quickly.
What are some good toppings for this chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, and cilantro. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or avocado for creaminess. For a unique twist, try topping it with crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
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).