Spicy Chile
A bold and hearty spicy chili featuring a mix of meats, beans, and rich seasonings, perfect for those who love intense flavors and comforting heat.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 2 lb. sweet Italian sausage ⓘ
- 2 lb. hot sausage ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 large green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cans kidney beans (light) ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. hot sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried basil leaf ⓘ
- 1 qt. canned tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat, sweet Italian sausage, and hot sausage separately, then drain.
- Add chopped green peppers, onions, mashed kidney beans, and tomato products to the meats, stirring well.
- Season with salt, hot sauce, paprika, dry mustard, dried basil leaf, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and celery seed.
- Stir everything together and cook on low heat for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, consider using only sweet Italian sausage and reducing the amount of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground meat if you're looking for a leaner option. Adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder can enhance the depth of flavor, similar to Monique'S Famous Chili. Allow the dish to rest for a few hours or overnight for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy chile in bowls, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or rice for a hearty meal. Consider serving with a side of Arkansas Campfire Potatoes for a complete comfort food experience. This dish is perfect for gatherings or game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chile contains roughly 1156 calories, with 55g protein, 222g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (155% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value), and protein (109% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1724mg per serving (75% 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. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stovetop before serving to bring back its delicious flavors.
What can I do to thicken the chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water or mashing some of the kidney beans into the mixture can help achieve a thicker consistency.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground meat and sausages with plant-based alternatives, like lentils or meat substitutes. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based products and ensure your canned tomatoes are free from animal products.
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).