Tennessee Pride Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili featuring sausage, ground beef, tomatoes, and beans, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual family dinners with bold spices and robust taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. country sausage
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute sausage, ground beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic in a large heavy saucepan until browned, stirring to crumble the sausage. Drain off excess grease.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Break the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon.
- Cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Add additional water if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Ground turkey can be substituted for the beef for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and beans like black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or with a side of Baked Beans-Hamburger Casserole for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tennessee Pride Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tennessee Pride Chili contains roughly 361 calories, with 8g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (62% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1515mg per serving (66% 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?
Absolutely! Tennessee Pride Chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day ahead, let it cool completely, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving for the best taste.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, start by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper or omitting it entirely. You can also use mild chili powder instead of regular. For those who like it hot, consider adding more chili powder or including chopped fresh jalapeños during cooking.
What are some good toppings for this chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños. You can also add fresh cilantro or avocado for a creamy texture. Each topping can enhance the chili's flavor and texture, allowing everyone to customize their bowl.
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).