Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's ready in a flash? Look no further than this easy chili recipe! Using tomato juice adds a bright, fresh element to this classic comfort food, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. This recipe is packed with flavor, surprisingly healthy, and requires minimal cleanup – the perfect combination for busy home cooks. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (48 ounce) bottle tomato juice
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado
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 cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and green bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until slightly tender.
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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.
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Simmer the chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato juice, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), 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 for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste becomes!
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or avocado.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- For a thicker chili: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before simmering. Alternatively, you can simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. A dash of hot sauce adds a nice kick as well.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, corn, or zucchini.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian chili.
Variations:
- White Chili: Omit the cayenne pepper and use chicken broth instead of tomato juice. Add white beans and corn. A delicious twist!
- Beef and Bean Chili: Add a 15-ounce can of black beans along with the kidney and pinto beans.
- Slow Cooker Chili: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 10-12 grams
This easy chili recipe is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy meal. The combination of tomato juice and beans adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to this classic comfort food, making it a delicious dish for any occasion. Enjoy!