Summer and chili? Absolutely! This isn't your grandma's heavy winter chili; this Summer Chili Recipe Beef is a lighter, brighter take on a classic, perfect for those warm evenings when you still crave a comforting bowl of deliciousness. Packed with fresh summer vegetables and lean beef, it's a healthy and easy recipe that's ready in under an hour. Get ready to ditch the takeout and embrace homemade cooking with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the chili: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans, corn, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot. 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.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado for a truly satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Summer Chili:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of ground beef and ground chuck.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder chili, omit it altogether.
- Add some sweetness: A touch of brown sugar or honey can balance the spices and add depth of flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of crumbled vegetarian crumbles or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Meal prep friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week for easy and healthy meals.
Variations:
- Summer Corn Chili: Increase the amount of corn to 2 cans for a sweeter, corn-forward chili.
- Southwest Chili: Add a diced jalapeño pepper for extra heat and a handful of chopped cilantro for freshness.
- White Chicken Chili: Substitute ground chicken for the beef and add a can of white beans instead of black beans for a lighter, creamier version.
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: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 10-12g
This easy and delicious Summer Chili Recipe Beef is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser, no matter the season. Enjoy!