Zesty Steak Chili
Zesty Steak Chili combines tender beef with bold spices, tomatoes, and vegetables, creating a hearty dish perfect for chili lovers and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. round steak, cut into 1 inch cubes ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 cups chopped onion ⓘ
- 2-3/4 cups water, divided ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced celery ⓘ
- 3 cans (14-1/2 oz. each) diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cans (15 oz. each) no salt added tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 jar (16 oz.) salsa ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, over medium heat, cook steak and garlic in oil until meat is browned.
- Add onion; cook and stir for 5 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups water and the next 8 ingredients; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours or until tender.
- Combine flour, cornmeal, and remaining water; stir until smooth.
- Bring chili to a boil; add flour mixture; cook and stir for 2 minutes until thickened.
- If desired, garnish with low-fat cheese, light sour cream, onions, and olives.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you're short on time, you can substitute the round steak with ground beef or turkey for quicker cooking. Also, feel free to use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for added flavor. This Zesty Steak Chili can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with low-fat cheese, light sour cream, and fresh chopped onions as garnishes. For a complete spread, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Cran-Pineapple Salad to balance the spice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Zesty Steak Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It freezes well, too; just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Steak Chili contains roughly 1689 calories, with 43g protein, 319g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (221% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (151% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1277mg per serving (56% 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 use a different type of meat for this chili?
Yes, you can substitute the round steak with ground beef, turkey, or even chicken for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; ground meat cooks faster than cubed steak.
Is there a way to make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the steak with a mix of beans such as black beans and kidney beans. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and carrots to enhance the texture and flavor.
How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili is too thin, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the chili. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans if using to create a thicker consistency.
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).