Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Hamburger Green Chili recipe is your answer. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and zesty spice, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. Get ready to experience a delicious explosion of flavors in every spoonful! This easy recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the chili: Add the undrained canned green chilies, undrained Rotel, undrained fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, 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 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
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Serve it up: Ladle the Hamburger Green Chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.
Cooking Tips for the Best Hamburger Green Chili:
- For a thicker chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water towards the end of cooking.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your liking. For a milder chili, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
- Add beans: For added protein and fiber, you can stir in a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or pinto beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add different types of beans or ground meat.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Green Chili: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy Green Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- White Chicken Chili: Replace the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a lighter, but still flavorful, alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used and serving size. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities.
This Hamburger Green Chili recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a healthy and flavorful dish the whole family will love. Enjoy!