Three Step Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with robust spices and tender ground beef, perfect for casual gatherings or cozy nights, appealing to spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain well.
- Add tomato sauce, water, chili powder, paprika, salt, dry minced onions, and bay leaves to the beef.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 to 40 minutes, skimming off excess grease as needed.
- Remove bay leaves and prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the chili and cook until it thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chili. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. To enhance the depth of flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of dark chocolate, similar to what’s done in some Beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with tortilla chips for dipping. This Three Step Chili is also a fantastic topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Step Chili contains roughly 638 calories, with 38g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (76% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2321mg per serving (101% 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! Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving. It’s a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they will still work well in this chili recipe.
How can I adjust the thickness of my chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, adding a cornstarch slurry, as indicated in the recipe, will thicken it nicely. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a bit more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
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).