Florida-Style Buffalo Chili Nachos with Monterey Jack Bliss
Experience the vibrant flavors of Florida with this hearty Buffalo Chili, perfectly complemented by crispy blue tortilla chips and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Adapted from 'The Complete Book of 400 Soups', this recipe is a true homage to the classic chili, featuring lean ground buffalo and a melody of spices. The chili is balanced by the earthiness of pinto beans and a kick from green chilies, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. Each serving is a delightful layering of flavors, topped with crunchy chips and gooey cheese, making it ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in. Dive into this dish to relish the taste of the Sunshine State!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (None)
Lean ground buffalo
1 lb (None)
Medium onions
2 (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Crushed)
Green chilies
2 (Seeded and finely chopped, or use 1 (6 ounce) can of green chilies)
Chili powder
2 tablespoons (None)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (None)
Bay leaves
2 (None)
Tomato puree
2 tablespoons (None)
Beef stock
3 3/4 cups (None)
Pinto beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (Drained and rinsed)
Fresh cilantro leaves
3 tablespoons (Chopped)
Sea salt
To taste (None)
Fresh ground black pepper
To taste (None)
Blue corn tortilla chips
1 (9 ounce) bag (Lightly crushed)
Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups (Grated)
Cheddar cheese
2 cups (Grated (optional, as a substitute for Monterey Jack))
Black beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (Mixed, or substitute with red beans if desired)
Lean ground beef
1 lb (Optional substitute for lean ground buffalo)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground buffalo and cook until it's just lightly browned, stirring frequently to avoid overcooking, as buffalo cooks more quickly than beef.
2
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the chopped onions, crushed garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender.
3
Stir in the chili powder and ground cumin, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the spices' flavors.
4
Add the bay leaves, tomato puree, and beef stock to the pot. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the chili to simmer for about 45 minutes.
6
While the chili simmers, take a quarter of the pinto beans and mash them in a bowl using a potato masher. Stir the mashed beans back into the chili to help thicken it.
7
Add the remaining pinto beans and simmer for another 5 minutes. Before serving, season to taste with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, then stir in the chopped cilantro.
8
Remove the bay leaves from the chili before serving.
9
To serve, ladle the steaming chili into warmed bowls, then top with a generous handful of crushed blue corn tortilla chips. Finish with a pile of grated Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar, if you prefer) on top, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat of the chili.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Florida-Style Buffalo Chili Nachos?
It is a hearty dish featuring lean ground buffalo chili served over crushed blue corn tortilla chips and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, inspired by Florida flavors.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of lean ground buffalo, though lean ground beef can be used as a substitute.
How do I prepare the green chilies for the chili?
You should seed and finely chop two fresh green chilies, or you can use one 6-ounce can of green chilies.
Why does the buffalo meat need careful monitoring during cooking?
Buffalo meat should be stirred frequently because it cooks more quickly than beef and can easily be overcooked.
How long should the chili simmer initially?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, you should reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45 minutes.
What is the secret to thickening this buffalo chili?
To thicken the chili, mash a quarter of the pinto beans with a potato masher and stir them back into the pot.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
Monterey Jack cheese is recommended, though cheddar cheese is a suitable alternative.
What type of chips are used for these nachos?
The recipe calls for a 9-ounce bag of lightly crushed blue corn tortilla chips.
How much beef stock is required?
You will need 3 3/4 cups of beef stock for the liquid base of the chili.
What are the primary spices used in this dish?
The primary spices are 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, along with two bay leaves.
How many pinto beans are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses two 15-ounce cans of pinto beans, which are drained and rinsed before use.
When should I add the fresh cilantro?
The chopped fresh cilantro leaves should be stirred in at the very end, just before serving, after the final seasoning.
What should I do with the bay leaves before eating?
You must remove the bay leaves from the chili before serving it to your guests.
Can I substitute black beans for pinto beans?
Yes, the recipe allows for the inclusion of black beans or red beans as a substitute or addition.
How much cheese should I use for topping?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of grated Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese.
What kind of oil is best for browning the buffalo meat?
Three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are used to heat the pot and brown the meat.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for two cloves of garlic, which should be crushed before being added to the pot.
How many onions are required?
You will need two medium onions, chopped, to be sautéed with the garlic and chilies.
What is the suggested serving method for the chili?
Ladle the hot chili into warmed bowls, top with crushed blue corn chips, and finish with a pile of grated cheese.
Is this recipe adapted from a specific source?
Yes, this recipe is adapted from 'The Complete Book of 400 Soups'.
How much tomato puree is used in the chili?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of tomato puree.
What type of salt and pepper is recommended?
Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper are used to season the dish to taste.
How long do the remaining beans simmer?
After adding the remaining whole beans and the mashed beans, the chili should simmer for another 5 minutes.
Can I use red beans?
Yes, red beans can be used as a substitute for black beans if desired.
How do I prepare the onions and garlic?
The onions should be chopped and the garlic cloves should be crushed.
Should the heat be high or low during the main cooking phase?
After the initial browning and boiling, the chili should be covered and simmered on low heat.
What is the first step in making this chili?
The first step is heating olive oil in a large pot and browning the ground buffalo.
How do I ensure the cheese melts?
Place the cheese on top of the steaming chili in the bowl; the heat from the chili will melt it slightly.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 19 ingredients listed for this Florida-Style Buffalo Chili Nachos recipe.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include chili, buffalo meat, nachos, pinto beans, comfort food, spicy, and Florida cuisine.