Craving a comforting and delicious meal that's also good for you? Look no further! This ground sirloin chili recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and surprisingly healthy. This recipe is a perfect example of how delicious and satisfying healthy meals can be, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground sirloin
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 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 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your chili.
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Brown the ground sirloin: Add the ground sirloin to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This ensures a leaner, healthier chili.
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Add the vegetables: Stir in the chopped green bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened. Adding vegetables provides extra nutrients and texture to your chili.
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Simmer the chili: Add 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 up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or chopped cilantro. This hearty and flavorful chili is perfect for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- For a thicker chili: Remove some of the chili liquid before serving and mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the sauce naturally.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder chili, omit it entirely.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini.
- Use different beans: Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans or chickpeas.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. This makes it a perfect meal prep option for busy individuals.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the ground sirloin with 1 cup of cooked lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Turkey Chili: Use ground turkey instead of ground sirloin for a leaner option.
- Spicy Chili: Add a diced jalapeño pepper or more cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 10-15g
Enjoy this easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful ground sirloin chili! It's a perfect example of delicious and satisfying quick dinner ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.