Garden Veggie Beef Chili

Garden Veggie Beef Chili

This hearty chili is packed with colorful vegetables, ground beef, and warm spices for a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a casual get-together.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, avocado slices

Cooking Guide:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Tips:

• Ground Beef: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe.
• Veggies: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables! Chopped zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, or carrots would all be delicious additions.
• Spice Level: For a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeno pepper with the onions and peppers. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste.
• Beans: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash about 1/2 cup of the beans before adding them to the pot.
• Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Chopped avocado, crumbled tortilla chips, or a dollop of Greek yogurt are all great options.
• Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chili for longer storage.

Enjoy this delicious Garden Veggie Beef Chili!