Are you looking for healthy meals the whole family will enjoy? Weeknight dinners just got easier! This chili recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly kid-friendly. We've tweaked a classic chili recipe to create a milder, sweeter version that even picky eaters will gobble up. It’s packed with flavor, perfect for quick dinner ideas, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready for a homemade cooking experience the entire family will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick – omit for very young children)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious flavor base for your chili.
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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. Using lean ground beef or turkey helps keep this a healthier option.
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Simmer the chili: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
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Season and serve: Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might want to add more chili powder for a deeper chili flavor or more brown sugar for extra sweetness. Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili fixings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Tips for Success:
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. For a truly mild chili, omit it entirely.
- Bean variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. Black beans or a mix of beans would also work well.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15-ounce) can of vegetarian crumbles or a combination of chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Spicy Chili: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This delicious and easy chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a great way to introduce kids to healthy, homemade cooking, and it’s adaptable enough to please everyone's palate. Enjoy!