Yes, you can absolutely use marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce in chili!
Marinara sauce is a type of tomato sauce that is typically made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. It is often used in Italian dishes, but it can also be used in other dishes, such as chili.
Marinara sauce can add a richer flavor to chili than tomato sauce, and it can also help to thicken the chili. However, it is important to note that marinara sauce can also be more acidic than tomato sauce, so you may need to adjust the amount of other seasonings in your chili recipe accordingly.
Here are some tips for using marinara sauce in chili:
- Choose a good quality marinara sauce. Look for a sauce that is made with fresh ingredients and does not contain any added sugar.
- Start with a small amount of marinara sauce. You can always add more later if needed.
- Taste the chili as you go. This will help you to adjust the seasonings and make sure that the chili is to your liking.
Here is a recipe for chili that uses marinara sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can marinara sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, marinara sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until thickened.
- Stir in the cilantro and serve hot.
Enjoy!
Topping Ideas for Easy Homemade Chili
I think that part of the appeal of chili is its toppings; there’s nothing better than a combination of creamy, crunchy, and cool flavors.
Here are some easy chili topping ideas:
- Diced avocado
- Fresh lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped onion (white onion, red onion, or green onion)
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or plain greek yogurt
- Frozen (but thawed) corn
- Pickled jalapeno peppers or salsa
- Tortilla chips, corn chips, or cornbread
What to Serve with Chili
Chili is usually plenty on its own, but if you want to stretch it further or add something, here are some suggestions:
- Air fryer broccoli and cauliflower
- Kale salad
- Kale apple slaw
- Simple side salad with your favorite salad dressing
- Fresh veggies and dip
- Fresh fruit
- Breadsticks or bread
Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce for chili?
FAQ
Can you substitute marinara sauce for tomato sauce?
What is the best tomato sauce for chili?
What is the purpose of tomato sauce in chili?
Can I substitute marinara for tomato sauce?
Since both sauces are made with tomatoes as their base, it is possible to substitute marinara for tomato sauce. Using marinara instead of tomato sauce can make a recipe vegetarian-friendly, and it’s a great way to shave time when preparing weeknight dinners.
What is the healthier substitute of tomato sauce?
Tomato Sauce is the most commonly used side dish with any kind of fast food like burgers, flat breads, pizzas, fries etc. Consuming too much of ketchup will lead to weight gain and even acne problems. Ketchups have artificial colour and flavour and preservatives which are not good for digestion and cardiovascular health. Other healthy alternatives for tomato sauce are: 1) Home made tomato sauce using fresh and ripen tomatoes, garlic along with salt and sugar. 2) Tomato Chutney which is freshly homemade. 3) Tomato Gravy added and spiced with garam masala to give tangy tase. 4) Thick tomato jam which is homemade.
Can you use canned tomatoes in marinara sauce?
Recipes vary from person to person, and region to region, but you will always find garlic, onions, and basil on the ingredient list for marinara sauce. Because the flavor is very tomato-forward, it’s best to use high-quality canned tomatoes when making marinara sauce. What Is Tomato Sauce?
Can you use marinara instead of meat in red chili?
It’s a tomato-based red sauce typically served without meat. Most marinaras include garlic and Italian herbs for flavoring. You can use marinara as a substitute in many red chili recipes for tomato-based components such as pastes or purees. However, keep in mind that it may add aromatic flavors such as garlic, oregano, basil, and thyme.