Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, hearty, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Chilli Baked Beans recipe is your answer. It's a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. This recipe is packed with flavor, requires minimal ingredients, and is surprisingly healthy. Get ready to experience the best baked beans you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
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: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the kidney beans, pinto beans, chili beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, brown sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Simmer the Chilli Baked Beans
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 a great time to multitask and attend to other household chores!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious chilli baked beans hot, topped with your favorite sides like crusty bread, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chilli Baked Beans:
- For a deeper flavor: Consider toasting the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them to the pot.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit it altogether or use a smaller amount.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage for a hearty vegetarian option.
Variations:
- BBQ Baked Beans: Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
- Spicy Baked Beans: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Sweet and Savory Baked Beans: Add a tablespoon of molasses or maple syrup along with the brown sugar for a balanced sweet and savory profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This easy chilli baked beans recipe is a great example of healthy meals that are both quick and delicious. Enjoy this homemade cooking experience and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!