Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's both healthy and satisfying? Look no further! This gluten-free chili recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a casual get-together with friends. It's packed with deliciousness, easy to make, and surprisingly quick, making it an ideal addition to your healthy meal rotation and a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience the best homemade cooking with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, green onions
Instructions:
Get started: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
Brown the meat: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Simmer to perfection: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious gluten-free chili hot, topped with your favorite fixings.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- For a deeper flavor: Consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering process. Remove it before serving.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a smoky depth.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15-ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Slow cooker option: This recipe is easily adaptable for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- White Chicken Chili: Substitute the ground beef with cooked chicken breast and add a can of corn. Reduce the chili powder slightly and add some white beans.
- Beef and Bean Chili: Reduce the amount of crushed tomatoes slightly and add more beans for a heartier bean chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 10-12 grams
This delicious and easy gluten-free chili recipe is a perfect example of satisfying and healthy food recipes. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to your liking, making it a staple in your weeknight meal plan. Enjoy!