Sure! Let’s embark on a culinary adventure as we delve deep into the making of a robust, hearty, and flavorsome Chili with Beans. This dish promises to be the highlight of any meal, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. With a preparation time of 30 minutes and a cooking time of 1 hour, you’ll have a delectable pot of chili ready in just 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Chili with Beans Recipe
Description
This Chili with Beans recipe, sourced from lovewithrecipes.com, is the epitome of comfort food. It marries the rich flavors of lean ground beef, a medley of chilies, and pinto beans, creating a symphony of tastes that are both satisfying and invigorating. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish falls under the category of “Beans” and is a must-try for any chili enthusiast.
Keywords
Weeknight, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to bring this flavorful dish to life:
- 1 pound pinto beans – These beans are the heart of our chili, offering a creamy texture and a subtle, earthy flavor.
- 5 pounds lean ground beef – This forms the base protein of our chili, providing a rich, meaty flavor that complements the beans perfectly.
- 1 – 2 onions – Chopped finely, the onions add a sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 4 bell peppers – Choose a mix of colors for visual appeal and a sweet, tangy flavor.
- 4 Anaheim chilies – These mild peppers add a subtle heat and a unique flavor profile.
- 2 yellow chiles – Slightly spicier than bell peppers, they add a nuanced heat.
- 2 jalapeno chiles – For those who love a bit of a kick, these add a moderate heat.
- 2 serrano chilies – These pack more heat than jalapenos and are perfect for spice lovers.
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes – They form the base of the sauce, providing a rich, tangy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- 2 teaspoons black pepper – Adds a sharp, pungent flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a hint of garlicky goodness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – This adds an earthy, warm flavor typical in chili.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – It brings a mild, smoky flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder – Adds a layer of complex spiciness.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder – Another pinch for that extra kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano – For a subtle, herbaceous note.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This chili is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. Here’s the breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 536.8
- Fat: 24.8g
- Saturated Fat: 9.6g
- Cholesterol: 147.4mg
- Sodium: 1812.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 27.7g
- Fiber: 9.7g
- Sugar: 7.2g
- Protein: 52.1g
Yield
This recipe yields 1 pot of chili, which serves 10 people.
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious chili:
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Prepare the Beans and Vegetables
- Mix all the dry ingredients and store them in a sealed container.
- Use 4 teaspoons of this spice mix with 1 pound of ground beef when preparing the chili.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
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Cooking the Vegetables
- Place all of the beans, onions, bell peppers, Anaheim chilies, yellow chiles, jalapeno chiles, serrano chilies, and crushed tomatoes into a large kettle.
- Turn the heat on low, allowing the flavors to meld together gently.
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Preparing the Meat
- In a separate pan, scramble the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned.
- Drain the fat from the pan to keep the chili lean.
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Combining Ingredients
- Add 1 cup of the prepared chili seasoning to the cooked ground beef.
- Pour in 1 cup of water to help distribute the spices evenly.
- Gently heat the meat with the spices until aromatic.
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Merging Meat and Bean Mixture
- Pour the seasoned meat mixture into the bean and pepper mixture in the kettle.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Simmering
- If the mixture appears too thick, add an additional cup of water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Heat the mixture until it reaches a simmer. Allow the peppers and onions to cook thoroughly.
- Ensure to heat on low to medium to prevent scorching. Stir frequently to avoid burning at the bottom.
Tips for the Perfect Chili
- Bean Preparation: If using dried pinto beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the chili.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the types and amounts of chilies used based on your spice tolerance. For a milder chili, reduce or omit the serrano and jalapeno chilies.
- Consistency: Chili tends to thicken as it cools. If you prefer a soupier chili, add more water or broth as needed.
- Resting Time: Let the chili sit for a while after cooking. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
Chili with Beans is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some serving ideas:
- Toppings: Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
- Sides: Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side of white rice to complement the hearty chili.
- Variations: For a smoky flavor, consider adding a few dashes of liquid smoke or using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Storage and Reheating
This chili stores exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chili in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to restore the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Chili with Beans is a true testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony. The combination of tender pinto beans, robust ground beef, and a medley of vibrant chilies creates a dish that’s not only hearty and comforting but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this chili is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Enjoy the process of making this dish as much as you will enjoy savoring each bite. Cooking is, after all, an expression of love, and this Chili with Beans is a warm, hearty hug in a bowl. Bon appétit!
