Tom'S Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili with rich tomato and spice notes, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners with a satisfying, smoky taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a large pot.
- Drain off the excess liquid from the cooked meat.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your chili. If you don't have Texas chili mix, a combination of chili powder, cumin, and paprika can serve as a substitute. To enhance the taste, sauté the onions and peppers before adding them to the pot. This recipe allows for flexibility, so feel free to incorporate extra beans or spices to cater to your palate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tom's Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider a side of Zest Vegetable Medley(Microwave) to balance the rich flavors of the chili. Enjoy it with a refreshing beverage for the perfect comfort food experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tom'S Chili contains roughly 452 calories, with 23g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (473% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (114% of the Daily Value), and iron (91% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 32g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground chuck with a plant-based meat substitute or additional beans like black beans and pinto beans. You can also add more vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, to enhance the texture and nutrition of the chili.
What can I serve with this chili?
Tom's Chili is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with cornbread, rice, or a simple salad. Tortilla chips make for a great crunchy side, and for a fun twist, serve it over baked potatoes.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To adjust the spiciness, you can add more or fewer chili spices or hot sauce to your taste. For a milder chili, reduce the amount of Texas chili mix or omit any additional hot ingredients. Conversely, if you prefer it spicier, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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).