Hearty Tex-Mex Chili Delight
Experience the robust flavors of this Hearty Tex-Mex Chili Delight, inspired by Wendy's famous chili. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends and family. Packed with ground beef, kidney beans, and a perfect blend of spices, this chili not only warms you up but also tantalizes your taste buds with hints of cocoa and a rich, savory tomato base. Easy to prepare and even easier to share, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
6
Servings
500
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1.5 lbs (raw)
Vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (for browning the beef)
Onion soup
1 can (condensed)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (ground)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (ground)
Pepper
0.5 teaspoon (black, ground)
Cocoa powder
2 teaspoons (unsweetened)
Kidney beans
2 cans (undrained)
Tomato paste
6 teaspoons (for thickening)
Tomato sauce
15 teaspoons (for base)
Brown sugar
2 teaspoons (for sweetness)
Vinegar
1 teaspoon (for acidity)
V8 vegetable juice
6 cups (for the liquid base)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula until it resembles tiny rice-sized bits.
2
Once browned, transfer half of the cooked beef to a blender along with the onion soup. Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and thick, resembling a cement mortar.
3
In a large saucepan (2-1/2 qt), combine the unblended beef and the blended mixture.
4
Add the chili powder, cumin, pepper, cocoa powder, kidney beans (undrained), tomato paste, tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and V8 vegetable juice to the saucepan.
5
Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the chili simmer for at least 30-45 minutes or until all flavors are blended and the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
7
Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced onions.
Nutrition Information
25 g
Carbs
33.33 g
Protein
6.67 g
Fiber
3.33 g
Sugar
500 mg
Sodium
67 mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tex-Mex Chili Delight?
Hearty Tex-Mex Chili Delight is a robust and comforting dish inspired by Wendy's famous chili, featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and a savory tomato base.
What was the inspiration for this chili recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the famous chili served at Wendy's restaurants.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What is the primary protein source in this dish?
The primary protein source is 1.5 lbs of ground beef.
How many calories are in one serving of this chili?
Each serving contains 500 calories.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much protein is in a single serving?
A single serving provides 33.33 grams of protein.
What is the fiber content of this chili?
This chili contains 6.67 grams of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
Each serving contains 3.33 grams of sugar.
What is the sodium level for this recipe?
The sodium content is 500 mg per serving.
How much cholesterol is in one serving?
There are 67 mg of cholesterol in each serving.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two cans of kidney beans.
Should the kidney beans be drained before adding?
No, the kidney beans should be added undrained to the saucepan.
Why is cocoa powder included in the ingredients?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is used to add a rich, savory depth to the chili's flavor profile.
What is the main liquid base for this chili?
The liquid base consists of 6 cups of V8 vegetable juice.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
The beef should be browned in vegetable oil and broken into tiny rice-sized bits.
What is the purpose of blending half the beef?
Half the beef is blended with onion soup to create a smooth, thick mixture that acts like a mortar for a unique texture.
What type of onion soup is required?
The recipe requires one can of condensed onion soup.
How long should the chili simmer?
The chili should simmer for at least 30 to 45 minutes to allow flavors to blend and the consistency to thicken.
What equipment is needed to cook this chili?
You will need a large skillet for browning, a blender for the meat mixture, and a 2.5-quart saucepan for simmering.
What are the suggested toppings for this dish?
Recommended toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It uses chili powder and cumin for a classic Tex-Mex flavor, which provides heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
What category of cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as Tex-Mex cuisine.
How many distinct ingredients are used?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
What type of oil is best for browning the beef?
The recipe specifies using 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
Why is vinegar added to the chili?
One teaspoon of vinegar is added to provide necessary acidity to the savory base.
Does the recipe contain any sweeteners?
Yes, it includes 2 teaspoons of brown sugar for a hint of sweetness.
What ingredient is used to help thicken the chili?
Tomato paste is used as a thickening agent in this recipe.
Can this chili be served immediately after mixing?
It is best to let it simmer for at least 30-45 minutes to reach the desired consistency and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, as a hearty comfort food, it is an easy stovetop meal that stores well for gatherings or leftovers.