Tom'S "Hurtin" Chili
A hearty, spicy chili with tender beef, vibrant peppers, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for comforting dinners and chili lovers seeking bold, warming dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. chuck, roasted and cut into small cubes ⓘ
- 3 green peppers, diced ⓘ
- 2 large Spanish onions, diced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. ground coriander ⓘ
- 1 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. turmeric
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 heaping Tbsp. hot dark chili powder ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. Habanero pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 beef bouillon cube ⓘ
- 2 cups hot water ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan (6-quart), place the meat and sauté until browned.
- Add diced green peppers, onions, crushed garlic, and vinegar; sauté until vegetables are soft.
- Add spices and drained kidney beans; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chopped whole tomatoes, and the dissolved bouillon cube; stir well.
- Simmer for 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
- Serve hot over white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the cubed chuck in the spices overnight. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of Habanero pepper flakes and chili powder. You can substitute the white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang. To add more vegetables, try incorporating corn or zucchini into the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot over a bed of fluffy white rice for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Leftover Potato Patties for added texture and flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream to enhance its richness. You can also offer cornbread or crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tom'S "Hurtin" Chili contains roughly 2306 calories, with 70g protein, 346g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (402% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (228% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use ground beef instead of chuck for this chili?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for chuck in this recipe. However, be sure to adjust the cooking time, as ground beef cooks faster. Brown it well before adding the vegetables and spices to ensure maximum flavor.
How can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?
To make this chili vegetarian or vegan, replace the beef chuck with a mix of hearty vegetables such as mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of water and omit the beef bouillon cube. You can add more beans or even some plant-based meat alternatives for added texture.
What can I do if the chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a bit of sugar or honey. Another option is to stir in a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, which can help mellow the spice. Adding more crushed tomatoes or beans can also dilute the heat.
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).