Windy Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, savory onion soup, beans, and spices, perfect for casual dinners or gatherings that enjoy bold, comforting tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in oil.
- Blend the French onion soup and add it to the meat; simmer.
- Add chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and a few drops of Tabasco sauce.
- Stir in the kidney beans, tomato paste, and tomato sauce and cook until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats, like ground pork or turkey, along with the ground round. If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños. You can also substitute the French onion soup with a homemade version or a different type of canned soup for varied taste. Adjust the Tabasco sauce to your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Windy Chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside some tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. This dish also complements a refreshing beverage, like a light lager or iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Windy Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe container until heated through. Freezing is also an option; store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Windy Chili contains roughly 733 calories, with 22g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 676mg per serving (29% 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 in advance?
Yes, Windy Chili can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it the day before, let it cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you're ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Windy Chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out into individual servings for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store them in airtight containers and reheat as needed, making your weeknight meals hassle-free.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Substitute the ground round with lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of the French onion soup or look for a vegetarian version. This way, you can enjoy a delicious plant-based chili.
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).