Quick & Flavorful Southwestern Chili
This Quick & Flavorful Southwestern Chili is the perfect weeknight meal for anyone looking for a hearty yet healthy dish. With ground beef or turkey, beans, and aromatic spices, this chili is bursting with flavor while staying on the lighter side, making it ideal for those following the Weight Watchers program. In just 20 minutes, you can create a satisfying bowl of chili that’s not only delicious but also pairs perfectly with cornbread for a comforting dinner. Each serving is just 5 points, making it a great way to indulge guilt-free after a busy day at work.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef or ground turkey
1 lb (raw)
small onion
1 (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
water or beef stock
1 1/2 cups (liquid)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (ground)
salt
1 teaspoon (table salt)
chili beans
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (canned)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven or heavy saucepan, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon.
2
Once the meat is cooked through, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3
Drain the meat mixture in a colander and rinse with hot water to remove excess fat. Return the drained meat to the pot.
4
Add the water (or beef stock), chili powder, salt, chili beans (with liquid), and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Enjoy hot!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick & Flavorful Southwestern Chili?
This is a hearty yet healthy meal made with ground beef or turkey, beans, and aromatic spices, designed to be ready in just 20 minutes.
How many Weight Watchers points is one serving of this chili?
Each serving of this chili is calculated at 5 points, making it a great option for those on the Weight Watchers program.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
The total cooking and simmering time is approximately 20 minutes.
What types of meat can I use in this chili?
You can use 1 pound of either lean ground beef or ground turkey.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What should I serve with Southwestern Chili?
This chili pairs perfectly with cornbread for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
Do I need to drain the meat after browning?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining the meat in a colander and rinsing it with hot water to remove excess fat.
What kind of beans are required?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of chili beans.
Should I drain the liquid from the chili beans?
No, the chili beans should be added with their liquid to help flavor and thicken the chili.
What aromatics are used in this dish?
The dish uses one small chopped onion and one minced garlic clove.
What is the liquid base of the chili?
You can use 1 1/2 cups of either water or beef stock.
What spices give the chili its flavor?
The primary spices used are one tablespoon of chili powder and one teaspoon of salt.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to brown the ground beef or turkey in a large Dutch oven or heavy saucepan over medium-high heat.
How long should the onion and garlic sauté?
Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
Once all ingredients are combined, cover the pot and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
How do I prevent the chili from sticking while simmering?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it is simmering on low heat.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting and adjusting the seasoning if necessary before serving.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and easy recipe, ideal for busy weeknights.
Is this chili spicy?
The recipe is tagged as spicy, though the heat level can be adjusted via the chili powder.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the pot.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped before sautéing.
What equipment is best for cooking this chili?
A large Dutch oven or a heavy saucepan is recommended.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, with both meat and beans, it provides a hearty amount of protein per serving.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
With simple ingredients like canned beans, tomato paste, and ground meat, it is a very cost-effective meal.
Is there any preparation needed for the meat?
The meat starts raw and is browned and broken into smaller pieces during the cooking process.
What is the role of the tomato paste?
The tomato paste helps thicken the chili and provides a concentrated tomato flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this Southwestern chili recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, its quick cook time and hearty nature make it excellent for preparing in advance.
Is this chili considered comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a comfort food that is satisfying and delicious.