Spicy Chili With Sour Cream Dumplings
A hearty, spicy chili with creamy sour cream dumplings, perfect for warming up chilly evenings and satisfying fans of bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. can stewed tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 15 1/2 oz. can kidney beans (undrained) ⓘ
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 oz. can chopped green chilies (undrained) ⓘ
- Sour Cream Dumplings (recipe follows) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir ground beef, chopped onion, and crushed garlic in a 4-quart Dutch oven until beef is browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, chopped green chilies, chili powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour.
- Prepare Sour Cream Dumplings according to their recipe, then serve the chili topped with the dumplings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chili, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a small amount of masa harina. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños. For a healthier option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. This dish is perfect for meal prep, and you can make it ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners. Pair it with Mexican recipes like Crispy Taco Turnovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, topped with Sour Cream Dumplings for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for added crunch. A side of fresh avocado or a simple green salad can balance the heat. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Bill Cleveland's Taco Soup for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until hot. This chili freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chili With Sour Cream Dumplings contains roughly 930 calories, with 42g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (83% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1622mg per serving (71% 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 different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! You can substitute kidney beans with pinto or black beans, depending on your preference. Just ensure to drain and rinse them if using canned varieties. Mixing different beans can add variety in texture and flavor, enhancing your chili experience.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a combination of lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added nutrition. Adjust the seasoning to ensure it remains flavorful and satisfying.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top when serving. Additionally, you can stir in a bit of sugar or a splash of vinegar to mellow the flavors. Adding more beans or tomatoes can also help dilute the spiciness.
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).