Tired of takeout and searching for quick dinner ideas? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that’s also easy on the wallet? Then look no further! This Trader Joe’s chili recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It leverages the amazing convenience and quality of Trader Joe's ingredients to create a hearty, flavorful chili that's ready in under an hour. This homemade cooking masterpiece is perfect for chilly evenings and easily adaptable to your spice preferences. Get ready to experience the best recipes, conveniently made!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Trader Joe’s ground beef (or your preferred ground meat)
- 1 (15-ounce) can Trader Joe’s fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can Trader Joe’s black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can Trader Joe’s kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can Trader Joe’s diced tomatoes & green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup Trader Joe’s beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Trader Joe’s cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Trader Joe’s smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar 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.
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Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the chili: Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes & green chilies, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook to perfection: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, or chopped cilantro.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before simmering.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. For a spicier chili, add more cayenne or a pinch of your favorite hot sauce.
- For a deeper, richer flavor, consider browning the beef in batches to ensure it’s properly browned and not stewing in its own juices.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with 1 (14-ounce) can of vegetarian crumbles or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and lentils.
Variations:
- White Chili: Replace the ground beef with white chicken meat and omit the cayenne pepper. Add a can of corn and some diced green chilies.
- Sweet Potato Chili: Add 1-2 diced sweet potatoes during the simmering process for a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This is an estimate using the most commonly available Trader Joe’s products. Consult a nutrition calculator for a personalized analysis.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 10-12g
This easy recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Enjoy your homemade Trader Joe's chili!