Sweet Chili

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful chili featuring beef, tomatoes, kidney beans, and sweet chili flavoring, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with a touch of sweetness.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. hamburger
  • 1 qt. tomato juice
  • 2 cans small tomato sauce
  • 1 green pepper
  • 2 medium onions
  • 2 cans dark kidney beans
  • garlic powder
  • 4 Tbsp. sugar
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown hamburger, sliced onions, and sliced green pepper.
  2. Mix the rest of the ingredients and cook.
  3. Turn down heat to a simmer and simmer as long as you prefer.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you're short on time, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of tomato juice and sauce. For a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger with lentils or black beans. Garlic powder can be replaced with fresh minced garlic for a more robust flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sweet Chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Overnight Cornbread Casserole for a comforting dinner. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions for added flavor. This dish is great for gatherings, offering a satisfying option for guests.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet Chili contains roughly 502 calories, with 25g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1281mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).

502 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25.4g 51% DV
Total Fat 6g 8% DV
Carbs 93g 34% DV
Fiber 27.5g 98% DV
Sugar 5.8g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1281.3mg 56% DV
Potassium 1754mg 37% DV
Cholesterol 2.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.3mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 117.8mg 100% DV
Calcium 177.6mg 14% DV
Iron 8.6mg 48% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 freeze Sweet Chili?

Yes, Sweet Chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

What can I serve with Sweet Chili?

Sweet Chili pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad or warm crusty bread. For a heartier option, try it alongside Pork Chops And Rhubarb Casserole or a side of tortilla chips for dipping.

How can I adjust the sweetness in the recipe?

If you prefer a less sweet chili, reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons or omit it entirely. You can also balance the sweetness by adding more spices like cumin or chili powder, which enhance the overall flavor without increasing sweetness.

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).

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