Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's both easy to make and surprisingly healthy? Look no further than BJ's Chili! This recipe is a family favorite, perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner. It's packed with protein, fiber, and deliciousness, making it a winner for everyone. Forget those bland canned chili recipes; this homemade version is bursting with fresh flavors and customizable to your spice preferences. Let's dive into this easy recipe and create a delicious and healthy meal together!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lb 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 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained (optional, for a thicker chili)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for serving)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste will become.
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Serve and enjoy: Once the chili has simmered, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and serve hot with your favorite sides like cornbread or crusty bread.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- For a thicker chili: Add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to the chili during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder chili, omit it entirely. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or corn to your chili.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles for a delicious vegetarian version.
Variations:
- White Chili: Use white beans (like cannellini or great northern beans) instead of kidney, black, and pinto beans. Omit the cayenne pepper and add a teaspoon of white pepper for a milder flavor profile.
- Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This BJ's Chili recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and nutrition. It's a perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, and a wholesome healthy meal option for the whole family. Enjoy!