Savory Eggplant and Beef Chili
This hearty and flavorful Savory Eggplant and Beef Chili combines the rich taste of ground beef with the unique texture of eggplant, creating a satisfying meal that steps outside the traditional boundaries of chili. Cooked low and slow for two hours, the ingredients meld together beautifully, allowing the spices to develop a deep and aromatic flavor profile. Perfect for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet, this chili can be tailored to your spice preference, ranging from mild to fiery hot. Serve it up on a chilly night for a comforting bowl of goodness, and don't forget to garnish with your favorite toppings!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (raw)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Eggplant
1 large (peeled and cubed)
Stewed Tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
Tomato Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
Water
1/2 cup (none)
Chili Powder
2 tablespoons (none)
All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon (none)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (optional) (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Kidney Beans
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2
Stir in the cubed eggplant, undrained stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, chili powder, flour, optional sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
3
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow to simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help the flavors meld together.
4
After 2 hours of simmering, add the undrained kidney beans to the pot. Stir well and cover the pot again, cooking for an additional 30 minutes to heat through.
5
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as desired before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Eggplant and Beef Chili?
It is a hearty dish that combines ground beef with the unique texture of eggplant, cooked low and slow for a deep flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of raw ground beef.
How should the eggplant be prepared?
The eggplant should be peeled and cubed before being added to the pot.
What type of beans are used in this chili?
One 16-ounce can of kidney beans is used in this recipe.
Do I need to drain the kidney beans?
No, the kidney beans should be added undrained.
Should the stewed tomatoes be drained?
No, the 16-ounce can of stewed tomatoes should be used undrained.
How long does the chili need to simmer initially?
The chili should simmer covered on low heat for about 2 hours before adding the beans.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the recipe?
One tablespoon of all-purpose flour is added to help thicken the chili.
Is sugar a required ingredient?
No, the 2 teaspoons of sugar are optional and can be used to balance the flavors.
How much chili powder is recommended?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of chili powder.
What are the initial ingredients to cook?
The process begins by browning the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic together.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of minced garlic.
When do I add the kidney beans?
Add the beans after the chili has simmered for 2 hours, then cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can tailor the spice level from mild to fiery hot by adjusting the chili powder or adding other spices.
What size onion should I use?
One medium onion, chopped, is sufficient for this recipe.
How much water is added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, all ingredients are combined and cooked in a single large pot.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under Vegetable recipes due to the prominent use of eggplant.
What is the total simmering time?
The total simmering time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Do I need to drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef, onion, and garlic.
What should I do if the chili is too thick?
You can adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of extra water or tomato sauce.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include chili, eggplant, beef, hearty, comfort food, and slow-cooked.
What should I use for garnishing?
You can garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, cheese, or fresh herbs.
Is the eggplant peeled?
Yes, the instructions specify that the eggplant should be peeled and cubed.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe calls for beef, you could substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative.
Should I stir the chili while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
When should I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the chili and adjust the salt, pepper, or other spices at the very end before serving.