Hearty Ground Beef Chili
Imagine a steaming bowl of hearty chili, teeming with flavors and bursting with colors. Welcome to the “Zesty Yellow Pepper Fiesta,” a delightful twist on traditional chili. This healthy concoction not only warms your soul but also nourishes your body, brimming with vibrant yellow bell peppers and the zest of canned diced tomatoes and chilis. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure to craft this bowl of goodness.
The Ensemble: What You’ll Need
Before we delve into the heart of this vibrant recipe, let’s gather our troupe of ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 yellow bell peppers, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes with chilis
- 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, avocado, lime wedges
The Culinary Adventure: Let’s Get Cooking!
Prepare to embark on a journey that will have your taste buds dancing. We’ll go through each step, ensuring the flavors meld seamlessly into a hearty, healthy, and zesty chili.
Step 1: Prepping the Stage (15 minutes)
Every good chef knows the importance of preparation. Start by dicing the yellow bell peppers, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. Have the canned diced tomatoes with chilis and beans ready, drained and rinsed. Lay out your spices – chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper – for easy access when the real show begins.
Step 2: Searing the Stars (10 minutes)
In a large pot over medium heat, let’s sear the ground beef. Break it down with a spatula, ensuring it’s nicely browned. This step takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Uniting the Cast (5 minutes)
Now, add the diced yellow bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Let them sauté together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic.
Step 4: Spicing it Up (2 minutes)
Time to infuse the flavors. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and paprika over the mix. Stir well, letting the spices coat the beef and vegetables, forming the base of our chili.
Step 5: A Symphony of Cans (2 minutes)
Open the canned diced tomatoes with chilis, kidney beans, and black beans. Pour them all into the pot, stirring gently to blend the spices and veggies with the beans and tomatoes.
Step 6: Adding the Broth (2 minutes)
Pour in the low-sodium beef or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, creating a rich, hearty broth that will meld the flavors.
Step 7: Simmer and Let Magic Happen (30-40 minutes)
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating that perfect bowl of chili goodness.
Step 8: Season and Serve (5 minutes)
Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Ladle it into bowls, and garnish with shredded cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime for that final flourish.
The Grand Finale: A Healthy Chili Extravaganza
The “Zesty Yellow Pepper Fiesta” is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of colors, flavors, and health. Each spoonful is a journey through the zing of chilis, the earthiness of beans, and the delightful crunch of yellow bell peppers.
So, embrace the magic of this healthy ground beef chili, and let it become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Share it with friends and family, and let it become a cherished memory in your healthy cooking adventures. Bon appétit!