Wild Cactus Chili
A hearty, spicy chili with ground beef, beans, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for cold evenings or casual gatherings, bursting with bold flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 2 cans red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 large can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large red pepper ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 6 ribs celery ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp mustard ⓘ
- 3 small chili peppers ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then drain and transfer to a large pot.
- Add the kidney beans, whole tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, chopped onions, chopped celery, crushed garlic, chopped green and red peppers, parsley, chili powder, salt, pepper, and oil to the pot.
- In a separate large pan, add oil and lightly brown all the chopped vegetables, then add them to the pot.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Ensure the fluid level covers the top of the chili; stir occasionally while simmering on low heat for about 45-60 minutes.
- Serve hot with shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Optionally, serve with 2 Hershey Kisses per person after dinner for fun.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, you can increase the number of chili peppers or opt for serrano peppers instead. If you're looking for a lower-fat version, consider using ground turkey or chicken. For added depth of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cumin or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Pairing this chili with cornbread or even a side of Green Beans With Potatoes can enhance the meal experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, topped with shredded Cheddar cheese for a delightful finish. You can also accompany it with a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado for creaminess. For a fun twist, consider serving 2 Hershey Kisses per person after dinner, making it a sweet end to a hearty meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a simple salad for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Cactus Chili contains roughly 1518 calories, with 9g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 155g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (352% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1685mg per serving (73% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of Wild Cactus Chili, substitute the ground beef with a combination of lentils, black beans, and extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also include meat alternatives like tempeh or textured vegetable protein for added texture and protein.
What can I serve with Wild Cactus Chili?
Wild Cactus Chili pairs beautifully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh garden salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving it with a side of Flaky Biscuit Casserole. Additionally, topping the chili with fresh cilantro or green onions can add a refreshing burst of flavor.
How can I adjust the heat level of this chili?
To adjust the heat level, you can modify the number of chili peppers used or select milder varieties like poblano peppers. If you prefer extra heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. Taste as you go to ensure it meets your spice preference.
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).