Are you craving a hearty, healthy, and delicious meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Whole Foods Chili recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for easy recipes lovers and experienced cooks alike. Get ready to experience the best chili you've ever tasted – homemade and healthy! It’s a quick dinner idea that's surprisingly filling and nutritious.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
- 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 black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Get started: 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 bell peppers; cook for another 3-5 minutes until slightly tender. This builds a flavorful base for your chili.
Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Simmer to perfection: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
Serve and enjoy: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve your delicious chili hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. This healthy meal is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Tips for the Best Chili:
- For a thicker chili: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot during simmering.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a smoky flavor, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! It’s great for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the ground beef and add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms or crumbled vegetarian crumbles for a hearty vegetarian option.
- White Chili: Use white beans instead of kidney, black and pinto beans. Reduce or omit the chili powder for a milder flavor.
- Spicy Chili: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fiber: 15-20g
This delicious and healthy chili is perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s a versatile dish that you can easily adapt to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your homemade, delicious dish! This easy recipe is a great addition to your collection of best recipes.