Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both healthy and easy to make? Look no further! This gluten-free chili recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. Packed with protein, vegetables, and vibrant spices, this delicious dish is sure to become a family favorite. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this healthy meal is ready in under an hour, proving that homemade cooking can be quick and easy. Let's dive into this fantastic recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon 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 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. This gluten-free chili is fantastic on its own, or you can serve it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or gluten-free cornbread.
Cooking Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Chilli:
- For a deeper flavor: Roast the peppers before adding them to the chili. Simply toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, until slightly charred.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder chili, omit it altogether. Alternatively, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15-ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans or 1 cup of cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- White Chicken Chili: Replace the ground beef with shredded chicken and add a can of white beans.
- Beef and Bean Chili: Add other types of beans, such as pinto beans or great northern beans.
- Turkey Chili: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This gluten-free chili recipe is a perfect example of how easy and delicious healthy meals can be. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and let us know what you think in the comments below!