Are you looking for a delicious and healthy chili recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Kinder Mild Chili is perfect for a cozy night in, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a weekend potluck. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and surprisingly healthy. This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its finest. Get ready to experience a delicious dish that’s both comforting and satisfying!
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 lean 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 pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little extra kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro
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 Ground Beef
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, pinto beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, 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, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Kinder Mild Chili hot, topped with your favorite additions. Shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, creamy avocado slices, and fresh cilantro all make wonderful toppings.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- For a deeper flavor: Consider browning the beef in stages. Remove the browned beef from the pot, then sauté the vegetables before adding the beef back in.
- Spice it up: If you prefer a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with 1 (15-ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans, or a mixture of your favorite vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Thicken the chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. You can also mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release their starch.
Variations:
- White Chicken Chili: Substitute the ground beef with cooked chicken breast and add a can of white beans.
- Beef and Bean Chili: Increase the amount of beans for a heartier chili, perfect for a chilly evening.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This Kinder Mild Chili is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are perfect for busy weeknights. It's a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy!