Are you ready for a flavor explosion? This Green Chile Recipe Colorado will transport your tastebuds straight to the heart of the Southwest. Forget bland dinners; this dish is bursting with vibrant, spicy green chiles, savory meat, and hearty beans, making it a perfect healthy meal, quick dinner idea, and a delicious dish the whole family will love. It's surprisingly easy to make, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated. Let's dive into this classic Colorado comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-6 green chiles, diced (depending on your spice preference – Hatch chiles are traditional!)
- 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 extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado
Instructions:
Get started:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Build the flavor:
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the chiles and spices:
- Add the diced green chiles, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
Simmer to perfection:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.
Tips for the Best Green Chile:
- Roast your chiles: For a deeper, smokier flavor, roast the green chiles before dicing them. Simply char them over an open flame or under a broiler until blackened in parts, then place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. Peel and dice.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to control the heat level.
- Thicken it up: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot while simmering.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles.
Variations:
- Chicken Green Chile: Use 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces instead of ground beef. Cook the chicken before adding the onions and garlic.
- Pork Green Chile: Use 1 lb of ground pork for a richer flavor.
- Cheese lovers delight: Add a cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, a typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Green Chile Recipe Colorado is a testament to simple, yet incredibly flavorful cooking. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!