Southwest Chili
A hearty Southwest chili featuring tender beef, bold chili spices, garlic, and a rich broth, perfect for comforting gatherings or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut beef into cubes and heat oil in a Dutch oven.
- Add cubed meat into the oil and stir to just brown.
- Add curry powder, oregano, and chopped garlic. Stir to combine.
- Combine chili powder and flour, add to the meat mixture, then stir in the beef broth.
- Blend well and simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
- Check for taste after about an hour, adjust chili powder if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. If you prefer a thicker chili, add more flour or let it simmer longer. You can substitute ground beef for a quicker cooking time, or use turkey for a leaner option. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, and consider adding bell peppers for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Southwest Chili with warm cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Hot Cheese Tacos for a complete Southwestern feast. Consider a side salad to balance the richness of the chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it has thickened too much. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months; simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Chili contains roughly 3616 calories, with 43g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 366g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (221% of the Daily Value), iron (150% of the Daily Value), and protein (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 581mg per serving (25% 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 use a different cut of beef for this chili?
Yes, you can use cuts like chuck or brisket, which will also become tender when slow-cooked. For a faster option, ground beef works well, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with a mix of beans such as black beans and kidney beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add diced vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture.
What can I add to make the chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili. You can also try using a spicier chili powder or adding chipotle in adobo for a smoky kick.
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).