Tex Mex Chili
A hearty Tex Mex chili featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and vibrant peppers, flavored with chili powder and V-8 juice, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, chopped onion, chili powder, and pepper until the beef is cooked through.
- Drain off excess fat from the mixture.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the V-8 juice and bring to a boil, stirring often.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the drained kidney beans.
- Simmer the chili for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of cumin or smoked paprika. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste. For a vegetarian version, use black beans or lentils instead of beef and kidney beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tex Mex Chili with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. This chili pairs beautifully with Kay Lynn'S Mexican Layered Casserole for a comforting Tex-Mex feast. A side of tortilla chips also complements the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tex Mex Chili contains roughly 1130 calories, with 51g protein, 217g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (140% of the Daily Value), iron (111% of the Daily Value), and protein (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 578mg per serving (25% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, Tex Mex Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I serve with Tex Mex Chili?
Besides cornbread and tortilla chips, you can serve it with a fresh salad or some avocado slices for a refreshing contrast. Additionally, it can be paired with rice or quinoa to make it a complete meal.
Can I add more vegetables to the chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, zucchini, or corn to the chili for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly so that the vegetables are tender by the time the chili is ready.
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).