Vicki'S Chili
Vicki's Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings and chili lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook onion, green pepper, and garlic in butter until tender, not brown.
- Add ground beef; cook until lightly browned.
- Remove excess fat from the skillet.
- Add tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, and hot taco sauce.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika to the chili. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like crumbled tempeh. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned if they're in season, just be sure to peel and chop them beforehand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Vicki's Chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Potato Salad With Tomatoes And Roast Beef as a refreshing side or cornbread for a hearty meal. Don't forget some tortilla chips for dipping!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covering it loosely to prevent splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vicki'S Chili contains roughly 1080 calories, with 32g protein, 230g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (241% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 894mg per serving (39% 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 tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative. Each will give a different flavor profile, so choose according to your preference.
How spicy is this chili?
The spice level can vary based on the taco sauce you use. For a milder version, opt for a mild taco sauce or reduce the amount of chili powder. You can always add more spice later if desired.
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).