Ultimate Flavor-Infused Beef & Veggie Chili
This Ultimate Flavor-Infused Beef & Veggie Chili is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the warmth of rich beef and a rainbow of fresh vegetables. Designed for busy cooks, this recipe utilizes canned goods for convenience, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings. The addition of a 'secret ingredient' lets you customize this chili to your taste, ensuring that none of your batches ever turn out the same. Whether cooked on the stovetop or simmered slowly in a crockpot, the layering of flavors and textures creates a memorable meal. Serve it with cornbread, crusty bread, or your favorite toppings for a fulfilling culinary experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1.5 lbs (browned)
zucchini
1 medium (diced)
carrots
4 (diced)
stewed tomatoes
2 cans (preferably seasoned)
chili beans
1 can (with sauce)
kidney beans
1 can (can substitute other beans)
black beans
1 can (can substitute other beans)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (optional)
chili powder
3 tablespoons
minced garlic
to taste
salt and pepper
to taste
brewed coffee
1/2 cup (optional)
red wine
1/2 cup (optional)
Tabasco sauce
1 dash (optional)
vinegar
1 dash (optional)
ketchup
1 dash (optional)
cinnamon
1 dash (optional)
Instructions
1
In a medium-hot skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder to enhance the flavor.
2
While the beef is browning, heat a separate pot over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons of beef drippings or vegetable oil. Sauté the diced zucchini and carrots until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Once the beef is browned, drain excess fat if desired, and combine it with the sautéed vegetables in the pot.
4
Add the stewed tomatoes (with their juice), chili beans, kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste (if using) and the remaining chili powder.
5
Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chili has reached your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a crockpot and cook on low for several hours.
6
Throughout the cooking process, taste the chili and adjust the flavors using the optional secret ingredients like brewed coffee, red wine, Tabasco sauce, vinegar, ketchup, or cinnamon until it's just right for you.
7
Once done, serve the chili hot with your choice of side dishes like cornbread, crusty bread, or over rice. Enjoy the unique flavor you've crafted!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this chili?
The main protein used in this recipe is 1.5 lbs of ground beef.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture to a crockpot and cook it on low for several hours.
How long should the chili simmer on the stovetop?
It should simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 to 2 hours until it reaches your desired consistency.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one medium diced zucchini and four diced carrots.
What are the secret ingredients I can add?
You can customize the flavor using brewed coffee, red wine, Tabasco sauce, vinegar, ketchup, or cinnamon.
Which types of beans are used?
The recipe uses one can each of chili beans, kidney beans, and black beans.
Can I substitute the beans?
Yes, the kidney beans and black beans can be substituted with other beans of your choice.
Do I need to drain the ground beef?
Yes, you should drain the excess fat after browning the beef if desired.
How much chili powder is required?
The recipe uses a total of 3 tablespoons of chili powder.
Is tomato paste necessary?
No, the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste are optional for this recipe.
How do I prepare the zucchini and carrots?
They should be diced and sautéed in beef drippings or vegetable oil for 5-7 minutes until tender.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe suggests using two cans of stewed tomatoes, preferably seasoned, with their juice.
Should the chili be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions recommend simmering the mixture uncovered.
How much brewed coffee can I add?
You can add 1/2 cup of brewed coffee as an optional flavor enhancer.
What is the purpose of adding red wine?
Adding 1/2 cup of red wine is an optional way to deepen the flavor profile of the chili.
Can I use garlic in this chili?
Yes, minced garlic can be added to taste.
What side dishes go well with this chili?
It is delicious served with cornbread, crusty bread, or over rice.
How do I season the beef while browning?
Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder while it cooks.
Can I add a spicy kick to this recipe?
Yes, you can add a dash of Tabasco sauce to increase the heat.
What if I want a hint of sweetness?
Adding a dash of ketchup or cinnamon can help balance and customize the flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, its hearty nature and the use of canned goods make it a great option for weeknight meals.
How many cans of beans are needed in total?
A total of three cans are used: one for chili beans, one for kidney beans, and one for black beans.
Can I use beef drippings for sautéing?
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of beef drippings or vegetable oil to sauté the vegetables.
Why use stewed tomatoes instead of diced?
Stewed tomatoes, especially seasoned ones, add more depth and pre-developed flavor to the base.
Does this recipe contain vinegar?
A dash of vinegar is an optional ingredient used to adjust the acidity and brightness of the chili.
Is the chili powder added all at once?
No, a pinch is added to the beef, and the remaining amount is stirred into the pot with the beans and tomatoes.
What is the texture of this chili?
It is a hearty chili with a rainbow of fresh vegetables and a variety of beans.
Can I use this for game day?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as being perfect for game day gatherings.
How many carrots should be diced?
The recipe calls for four carrots.
Is this recipe easy for busy cooks?
Yes, it utilizes canned goods for convenience and can be made easily on the stovetop or in a crockpot.