Two-Alarm Chili

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, beans, and rich tomato and spice flavors, perfect for satisfying gatherings or cozy nights at home.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. ground beef
  • 2 c. chopped onions
  • 1/4 c. chili powder
  • 2 tsp. crushed garlic
  • 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (8 oz.) jars mild taco sauce
  • 1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and chopped onions; drain grease.
  2. Add chili powder, crushed garlic, tomato sauce, and taco sauce; mix well.
  3. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat to low.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
  5. Stir in the rinsed and drained red kidney beans.
  6. Cook until heated through.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your chili. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Additionally, feel free to use fresh garlic instead of crushed for a more robust flavor. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty Two-Alarm Chili with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It also pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the chili.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short intervals until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Two-Alarm Chili contains roughly 773 calories, with 41g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (81% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 998mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

773 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 40.5g 81% DV
Total Fat 42.9g 55% DV
Carbs 58.3g 21% DV
Fiber 13.9g 50% DV
Sugar 6.1g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 998.3mg 43% DV
Potassium 1170.5mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 100.6mg 34% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 179.4mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 6.2mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 124.6mg 10% DV
Iron 9.7mg 54% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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, this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat when ready to serve.

How can I make the chili spicier?

To increase the heat, add more chili powder or include fresh chopped peppers such as serranos or habaneros. You can also incorporate a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

What can I serve with Two-Alarm Chili?

This chili is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with toppings like shredded cheese and diced onions. For sides, consider serving it with cornbread or tortilla chips, or even over baked potatoes for a hearty meal.

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).

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