To The Moon Chili
A spicy, hearty chili with ground beef, kidney beans, and bold flavors from cayenne and Cheddar, perfect for satisfying cravings on chilly evenings or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown ground beef; drain.
- Stir in seasoning mix, water, tomatoes, beans, and red hot sauce.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, 10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped red pepper, green onion, and shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of red hot cayenne pepper sauce or add diced jalapeños. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef. You can also substitute canned beans with dried ones, just be sure to soak them overnight. This chili pairs well with cornbread or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped red pepper, green onion, and shredded Cheddar cheese. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving it with rice or over baked potatoes. This dish is great for game day gatherings or family dinners, making it a versatile addition to your American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of To The Moon Chili contains roughly 578 calories, with 37g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (169% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), and protein (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 802mg per serving (35% 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?
Yes, you can make this chili a day ahead of time. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight can enhance the flavors. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the chili.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chili freezes 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 in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
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).