Spicy Good Chili
A hearty, spicy chili with rich flavors from garlic, allspice, cloves, and chocolate, perfect for warming up a crowd or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 quart water ⓘ
- 2 pounds hamburger meat ⓘ
- 2 onions ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 large bay leaf ⓘ
- 5 whole allspice berries or 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 5 whole cloves or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 square unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook hamburger meat in a skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add water to the cooked meat and bring to a boil.
- Stir in onions, garlic, vinegar, tomato sauce, bay leaf, allspice, cloves, red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, salt, chili powder, cinnamon, and unsweetened chocolate.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 3 hours, uncovering during the last hour.
- Remove garlic cloves and bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot over spaghetti noodles or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats, such as beef and pork. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Substitute the kidney beans with black beans or chickpeas if desired. Always taste and adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking; this helps balance flavors perfectly, similar to what you might find in Karla'S Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot over cooked spaghetti noodles or rice for a comforting meal. It's also delicious with a side of cornbread or warm crusty bread. For a complete experience, top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. This dish pairs beautifully with Vi'S Baked Beans for a hearty gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered bowl until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Good Chili contains roughly 1292 calories, with 53g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (187% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1579mg per serving (69% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the hamburger meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or diced mushrooms for a hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add more vegetables to enhance the flavor.
How can I thicken the chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the kidney beans and stir them back into the mixture. Alternatively, let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
What should I serve with chili?
Chili is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, a fresh salad, or tortilla chips. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a comforting pasta dish like Golden Noodle Bake.
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).