Mom’s Southern Indiana Chili Recipe 🌶️

Introduction:

Welcome to a taste of Southern Indiana with my mom’s legendary chili recipe! This hearty dish is not your traditional chili – it’s more like a chili soup with a unique twist: pasta! Perfect for those cozy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this Tex-Mex inspired dish will surely become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, even beginner cooks can whip up a batch of this delicious chili in no time!

General Information:

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 10 bowls
Servings: Approximately 20
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Southwestern U.S.
Difficulty: Easy
Cooking Method: Stove Top
Suitable for: Weeknight, For Large Groups

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs ground chuck
1 onion, diced
2 cans chili beans
2 cans tomato sauce
4 cups water
1 packet chili powder
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1/4 box spaghetti (approximately 3/4 of a standard box)
Salt and pepper to taste

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 179.1
Total Fat: 3.4g
Saturated Fat: 1.2g
Cholesterol: 22.1mg
Sodium: 357.1mg
Carbohydrates: 24.9g
Fiber: 3.5g
Sugar: 2.8g
Protein: 12.6g

Instructions:

Brown Ground Chuck: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground chuck with diced onion, seasoned with salt and pepper, until cooked through and onions are translucent.
Drain Fat: Once the meat is browned, drain off any excess fat from the pot.
Prepare Chili Base: To the pot, add chili beans, tomato sauce, water, additional salt and pepper to taste, chili powder, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cook Spaghetti: While the chili is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Combine: Once the chili has simmered to your liking, add the cooked spaghetti to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate the pasta into the chili.
Serve: Ladle the warm and hearty chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer preservation. Chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.

Tips:

For an extra kick of flavor, try using spicy chili beans or adding diced green chilies.
Adjust the level of spice to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes.
Serve with cornbread or crackers on the side for a complete meal experience.
To save time, you can prepare the chili base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.
Experiment with different pasta shapes such as macaroni or penne for a fun twist on this classic recipe.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of chili on a chilly evening or hosting a casual gathering with friends and family, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and incredible flavor, Mom’s Southern Indiana Chili is a timeless classic that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy and savor every spoonful of this hearty and delicious dish straight from the heart of Indiana. 🍲