Thursday Night Friends Favorite Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili perfect for casual dinners, combining savory ground beef or veggie crumbles with beans and tomatoes, ideal for feeding friends or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef or warm the veggie crumbles with the chopped onions.
- Stir in the black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve topped with grated cheddar cheese and sour cream, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chili, consider adding diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute ground beef with additional veggie crumbles or even lentils. For a thicker consistency, reduce the water or add more tomato paste. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning to your preference as you cook.
Serving Suggestions
This chili is best served hot and can be topped with grated cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a crunch. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal, making it a great centerpiece for casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thursday Night Friends Favorite Chili contains roughly 928 calories, with 42g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), protein (83% of the Daily Value), and iron (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1156mg per serving (50% 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, this chili actually tastes better after sitting as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving, and it will be even more delicious.
Is there a way to make this chili low-sodium?
Absolutely! You can use low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes to significantly reduce the sodium content. Additionally, you can omit added salt and rely on herbs and spices for flavor.
Can I freeze the leftover chili?
Yes, chili freezes very well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stove.
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).