Hearty Family Chili with Hidden Veggies
This Hearty Family Chili is perfect for cozy nights in, offering a delightful mix of flavors that even the pickiest eaters will love. Packed with extra lean ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a blend of spices, it ensures a comforting and satisfying meal without overwhelming heat. The addition of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar balances the savory ingredients, while hidden veggies like zucchini and celery add nutrition without detection. Ideal for family gatherings, this large batch recipe is not only great for dinner but also freezes beautifully for future meals or busy weeknights. Adjust the spice level easily by adding more chili powder to suit your family’s taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground beef
2 1/2 lbs (browned)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
large onion
1 (diced)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
celery ribs
4 (diced)
green peppers
2 (diced)
zucchini
1 (diced)
chili powder
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
cumin
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
salt
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
pepper
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
onion powder
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
canned kidney beans
28 ounces (drained)
canned diced tomatoes
2 (28 ounce) cans (with juices)
canned tomato paste
5 1/2 ounces (for thickening)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (for sweetness)
apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (for acidity)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Family Chili with Hidden Veggies?
This is a comforting, large-batch chili recipe that combines extra lean ground beef with blended spices and nutritious vegetables like zucchini and celery that are diced small to be less noticeable.
Is this chili recipe spicy?
This recipe is designed to offer a delightful mix of flavors without overwhelming heat, making it suitable for children and picky eaters.
How can I make the chili spicier?
You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or other hot spices to suit your family's specific taste buds.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of extra lean ground beef, which should be browned before combining with other ingredients.
Which vegetables are considered hidden in this chili?
Diced zucchini and celery are used as hidden vegetables to add nutrition without being easily detected by picky eaters.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves to provide a savory flavor base.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using one large diced onion.
How many green peppers are needed?
Two diced green peppers are included in the vegetable mix for this chili.
What is the purpose of apple cider vinegar in chili?
A 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar is added to provide acidity and balance the savory flavors of the beef and spices.
Why does the recipe include brown sugar?
A 1/4 cup of brown sugar is used to add a touch of sweetness that balances the acidity of the vinegar and tomatoes.
What kind of beans are used?
The recipe uses 28 ounces of canned kidney beans, which should be drained before adding to the pot.
How many cans of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for two 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, used with their juices.
How is the chili thickened?
A 5 1/2 ounce can of tomato paste is used specifically for thickening the chili.
What are the primary seasonings?
The primary seasonings are 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 tablespoon of cumin.
Is onion powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of onion powder are included in the spice blend to enhance the savory profile.
How much salt and pepper is added?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt and 2 teaspoons of pepper.
Can this chili be frozen?
Yes, this chili freezes beautifully, making it ideal for future meals or busy weeknights.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely, the large batch size and ability to freeze make it a great option for meal planning.
How much oil is used for sauteing?
Two tablespoons of vegetable oil are used for sauteing the vegetables.
How many celery ribs are needed?
Four diced celery ribs are included in the recipe.
Is the zucchini peeled or diced?
The recipe instructions indicate the zucchini should be diced.
What makes this chili kid-friendly?
The mild spice level, hidden vegetables, and the balance of sweetness from brown sugar make it appealing to children.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 total ingredients in this Hearty Family Chili recipe.
What type of tomatoes should I buy?
Look for 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using the diced tomatoes along with their juices.
What kind of kidney beans should I use?
Standard canned kidney beans are used; just ensure they are drained.
Can I use this for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal large-batch recipe for family gatherings.
How do I prepare the beef?
The extra lean ground beef should be browned before it is combined with the other ingredients.
Is there a specific fat content for the beef?
The recipe specifically recommends extra lean ground beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
Can I serve this on busy weeknights?
Yes, because it freezes well and can be made in large batches, it is perfect for busy weeknights.