Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Chili O' Chili recipe! This vibrant dish bursts with the deliciousness of chili peppers, complemented by a rich blend of spices and savory ingredients. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, this chili is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers big on taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights and those seeking delicious, healthy meals.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to double or even triple it for larger groups!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound 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 pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium 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.
Step 2: Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. This is where the magic of homemade cooking truly shines!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, creamy avocado slices, and fresh cilantro all complement this chili beautifully.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili O' Chili:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder chili, omit it altogether or use a smaller amount. For extra heat, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add depth of flavor: For a richer, deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the crushed tomatoes.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with other beans, such as black beans or chickpeas. You could also add other vegetables, like corn or zucchini.
- Slow cooker option: This recipe is easily adaptable for a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the ground beef and add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
- White Chicken Chili: Replace the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken breast and add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, and use less or no cayenne pepper for a lighter and milder flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Chili O' Chili recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that don’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. It's a delicious dish that's perfect for busy weeknights, and its versatility makes it ideal for adapting to different tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy!