Can I freeze chili ?

Made a batch for the first time and it is a lot for just DH and me. Can I freeze leftovers ?

Also, can anyone share a good chili recipe that is not hot spicy and not in the crockpot ? The recipe I tried was eh and a lot of work. I felt like a lot of the flavors didn't come thru (bottle of amber beer, bacon drippings, cocoa powder).

TIA !

Can I freeze chili ?

Yes, you can freeze it. I found this online:

How to Properly Freeze Chili

To keep food safe, cool freshly cooked dishes quickly before freezing. Putting foods that are still warm in the freezer can raise the temperature, causing surrounding frozen items to partially thaw and refreeze, which can alter the taste and texture of some foods. Place food in a shallow, wide container and refrigerate, uncovered, until cool. To chill soup or stew even faster, pour it into a metal bowl and set in an ice bath—a larger bowl filled halfway with ice water. Stir occasionally.
For stews, braises, or other semiliquid dishes with some fat content, chill completely, and then skim the fat from the top before freezing. Fat spoils over time in the freezer and shortens a dish’s frozen shelf life.

Re: Can I freeze chili ?

Yes, I do all the time.

I make a southwest turkey chili (you can use beef too). It is easy to make and doesn't take long

1lb ground turkey
1/2 onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1 can of corn
1 can of black beans
1 can of red kidney beans
1 large can of tomato sauce
2 packets of low sodium chili seasoning

You can also add chili powder and crushed red pepper to taste if you want the chili to be spicy.

Put onion and pepper into pot with a little bit of olive oil, let them cook for a little (I usully let them cook for 10 minutes). Then brown the ground turkey in the same pot. Throw in corn and beans with juices (I usually drain 1/2 the liquid out or I feel the chili gets to soup like). Add can of tomato sauce and chili seasoning. Bring to a boil, then put on low for 30-45 minutes.

Message edited 11/6/2014 10:06:16 AM.

Re: Can I freeze chili ?

Serves 4

Olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 medium to large onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1teaspoon chili powder
1/2teaspoon hot paprika
1/2teaspoon dried coriander
1/4teaspoon oregano
Dash of cinnamon
1pound ground turkey breast or beef
1cup dark beer, such as Leffe Brown
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
One 15 1/2-ounce can kidney beans, drained
1/2teaspoon hot sauce or chile paste
Salt and pepper
Sour cream, chopped chives, cilantro, and/or shredded cheese, for topping

1. Heat a bit of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the tomato paste, onion, garlic, and red pepper, then cook, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the chili powder, hot paprika, coriander, oregano, and cinnamon; stir and allow to cook until aromatic, 1 minute.
2. Add the ground turkey or beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until lightly browned. Pour in the beer and allow to cook down slightly.
3. Add the tomatoes, beans, and hot sauce or chili paste.
4. Allow the chili to simmer, uncovered, until thickened, about 40 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with sour cream, chopped chives, cilantro, and/or shredded cheese.

Message edited 11/6/2014 10:04:49 AM.

Can I freeze chili ?

Yup. Just made literally a vat of chili mac this weekend and froze portions in tupperware. Worked great, ate some last night.

Re: Can I freeze chili ?

Message edited 11/6/2014 1:10:55 PM.

Re: Can I freeze chili ?

Re: Can I freeze chili ?

Yes you can


1lb - 1.5lb ground meat (I use ground chicken)
EVOO
1 small onion cut up
2 peppers (any color you like) cut into pieces
1 jar sauce
1 can red kidney bean
1 can chili beans
1 packet chili season mix (any kind you like)


in large pot sauté the peppers and onions till soft with the EVOO. Once soft add the ground meat and stir till cooked. Add the jar of tomato sauce and mix. Once mixed you can drain and add the two cans and then the chili seasoning. Stir and let cook another half hour or till desired.
If you don't want it spicy you can get mild or medium seasoning. Instead od sour cream I use fat free greek yogurt to cool down the chili flavor. I also have chili powder I add for more of a spice if you like.