Sunsetview Restaurant Sunshine Chili
Sunshine Chili offers a hearty, flavorful blend of beef, onions, and spices, topped with melted cheese and raw onions—perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. bacon fat
- 1 large Spanish onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. catsup ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- pinch of chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- melted Cheddar or American cheese, to garnish ⓘ
- chopped raw onions, to garnish ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (optional) ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy-duty pot, brown the ground beef in bacon fat.
- Add chopped onion, diced green bell pepper (if using), water, catsup, black pepper, chopped parsley, sugar, chopped garlic, salt, chili powder, and beef bouillon cubes.
- Bring to a simmer and cook slowly for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked noodles to the chili mixture and mix well.
- Simmer for an additional 5 or more minutes.
- Serve topped with melted Cheddar or American cheese and chopped raw onions.
- Serve with crackers or garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a mixture of ground beef and ground pork. If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also substitute the catsup with tomato sauce for a different taste. If you don’t have bacon fat, olive oil is a suitable alternative. Remember to adjust the seasoning to your liking as you mix in additional ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with a side of crackers or garlic bread for a complete meal. For added texture, consider topping it with crushed tortilla chips or diced avocado. It pairs beautifully with Macetti for a hearty dinner. You can also serve it alongside a simple salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunsetview Restaurant Sunshine Chili contains roughly 630 calories, with 20g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (114% of the Daily Value), iron (98% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2296mg per serving (100% 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 easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon cubes and ensure that your catsup is free from animal products. This will provide a delicious and hearty chili without any meat.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level of your chili, you can add more chili powder or include diced fresh or canned jalapeños. For a milder version, use less chili powder or omit it entirely. Additionally, serving the chili with toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese can help balance any heat.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with cornbread, rice, or a simple green salad. For a fun twist, consider serving it with baked potatoes or nachos. It also works great as a filling for tacos or burritos for a delicious Tex-Mex style meal.
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).