Craving a delicious and easy dinner that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Chipotle Ground Beef recipe is your answer. It's a quick and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying enough for a comforting dinner, and adaptable to your taste. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience the smoky warmth of chipotle peppers in a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your preference)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Spice it Up: Add the minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma. This step is key to unlocking the full depth of flavor in this easy recipe.
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Simmer to Perfection: Stir in the diced green chilies (undrained), diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Season and Serve: Season the chipotle ground beef with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. This healthy meal is fantastic on its own, served with rice, alongside your favorite vegetables, or nestled in warm tortillas for a delicious taco filling.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper and cayenne pepper to control the heat level. For a milder dish, use less chipotle pepper or omit the cayenne pepper altogether. For extra heat, add more chipotle pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite additions. Some delicious options include black beans, corn, bell peppers, or shredded cheese.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this delicious dish over rice, quinoa, or mashed sweet potatoes for a more substantial and well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with warm tortillas for delicious tacos.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and easy lunches or dinners.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of ground beef used and any additions. However, a general estimate for a serving (assuming lean ground beef and no extra cheese or high-calorie add-ins) would be around:
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This chipotle ground beef recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and the versatility allows for endless customization. So, gather your ingredients, and prepare for a taste sensation!