Spicy Hot Chili
Spicy Hot Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with ground beef, tomatoes, and chili spices. Perfect for cold nights or game days, it offers a bold, spicy kick that satisfies a crowd and can be customized with additional toppings or sides for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the hamburger meat until browned.
- Mix all ingredients together in a large pot.
- Simmer for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you want extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the Durkee chili mix with homemade chili powder or a different brand if necessary. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or black beans, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spicy hot chili with cornbread for a delightful contrast; it pairs beautifully with Upside Down Cornbread. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It also goes well with tortilla chips or over a baked potato for a hearty meal. Consider serving a side of Sweet 'N Sour Green Beans for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it heats evenly. For longer storage, consider freezing the chili in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Hot Chili contains roughly 483 calories, with 21g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (139% of the Daily Value), iron (86% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1347mg per serving (59% 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 in advance?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day! You can make it a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. The flavors will meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the hamburger meat with a variety of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, or use lentils for a hearty texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the heat, start with a smaller amount of picante sauce and gradually add more to taste. You can also remove the seeds from the Ro-Tel tomatoes or add a dollop of sour cream at serving to mellow 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).