It is that time of year where it is starting to feel like fall is in the air! Weekends are feeling cozy with college and pro football games on in the background, and it finally seems like it is time to cook up a nice big pot of chili! And not just any chili, but a healthier option that is really easy to make. This is also an easy dish to transport to a fall picnic, potluck, boat cruise or tailgate. We aren’t reinventing the wheel with our version but just by adjusting a few ingredients you’ll be giving your family and friends a healthier bowl of chili…
The ingredients are basic and simple…a packet and a half of your favorite chili mix, a pound of ground beef ( although you can substitute ground turkey or chicken as well ) a large can of crushed tomatoes, 3 kinds of beans, onion, carrot, green onion and cilantro.
The twist on this chili is in addition to chopped onion, I like to add chopped carrots.
After sauteeing the chopped onions and carrots in olive oil until soft, add in ground beef and brown. Then add in your packet and ½ of chili mix. You can use any brand, and there are mild or spicy versions. I use 1 ½ packets since we are using a larger than called for can of tomato sauce, and if you don’t it is pretty mild.
Add the can of tomato sauce, and stir gently.
For the beans, I like using a can each of black, pinto and kidney beans. If you are in a pinch and are missing one or another, you can mix it up and use whatever combo you have or works for you…it should still taste great!
Bring to a boil and then simmer on low for about 20 minutes.
Taste, and if preferred add additional salt and red pepper or chili flakes if desired to add some heat.
Serve with chopped cilantro, green onion, shredded cheese and sour cream. Enjoy!
AOBF EASY CHILI – serves 6
1 ½ cups of chopped onion
1 ½ cups of chopped carrots
Olive oil
1 lb. organic ground beef, turkey or chicken
1 ½ packets of chili mix ( we used McCormicks)
1 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
1 15 oz. can of black bean
1 15 oz. can of pinto beans
1 15 oz. can of kidney beans
Fresh chopped cilantro
Fresh chopped green onion
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Chop up the onion and carrots, and saute in olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add in 1 lb. of ground beef, turkey or chicken and saute until browned.
Add in 1 ½ packets of chili mix, stir well.
Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir.
Add in the 3 cans of black, pinto and kidney beans and stir.
Turn heat up, bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer for about 20 minutes.
Top with fresh chopped cilantro, shredded cheese ( Mexican mix preferred or sharp cheddar) and sour cream if desired. Enjoy!