Viv'S Chili
Viv's Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish with ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for warming up on cold winter days and ideal for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cans water ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. cumin ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- hot sauce to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onions, chopped bell pepper, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Drain off excess fat.
- Combine the cooked mixture with kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, water, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer over low heat for 1 hour, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a splash of beer to the chili. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use lentils or black beans instead of beef and kidney beans. Adjust the chili powder and cumin to your taste for a spicier kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Viv's Chili hot with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Chili Corn Bread Casserole for a comforting dinner. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for added flavor. Enjoy it with crackers or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain the desired consistency. It can also be reheated in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Viv'S Chili contains roughly 1120 calories, with 71g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (258% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (141% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1869mg per serving (81% 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, Viv's Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving to enjoy the enhanced taste.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of cayenne pepper during cooking. You can also use hotter chili powder or serve with a side of hot sauce for individual spice preferences.
What can I serve with Viv's Chili?
This chili is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with cornbread, a fresh salad, or tortilla chips. It also works well as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos for a fun twist.
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).