Quick and Easy Beef and Bean Chili

There is much debate over the inclusion of beans in chili. In Texas, including beans is usually frowned upon... and I'm okay with that! I love a chili that's rich in meat. But I also enjoy beans in my chili... I guess I'm all about equal opportunity. Thankfully, Jason will also eat it anyway it comes so I am free to go either direction with our chili.

One of the upsides of using beans is the cost savings. All-meat chili can get pricey pretty quick while subbing in beans as another source of protein = cheap! I even took this recipe further and used less meat than it calls for and I heard no complaints from the other side of the couch.

Chili is often cooked long and slow but you can get great flavor from a faster approach. This chili cooks for just 40 minutes and it's darn tasty!

Quick and Easy Beef and Bean Chili
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 pounds lean ground beef chuck

2 large onions, chopped

3 tablespoons minced garlic

1/3 cup ancho chile powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon dried oregano

coarse salt and pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne

1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 15 ounce can tomato sauce

2 15 ounce cans red kidney beans, drained

sour cream, grated cheddar, pickled jalapeno chiles and sliced scallions for topping

 

In a large dutch oven, heat the oil over high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef for 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Pour off all but 2 tbsp. of fat from the pot. Add the onions and stir over medium-low heat until soft, 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and 3 cups water, scraping the pan.

Return the meat to the pot. Stir in the chile powder, cumin, oregano, 1 tbsp. coarse salt, 1 1/2 tsp. pepper and the cayenne; cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato sauce. Cook, stirring, for 40 minutes.

Skim the fat from the surface. Stir in the beans and cook for 5 minutes. Serve with the toppings.

Source: Rachael Ray Magazine


Congrats to Jason of Griffin's Grub! He will soon be the owner of a new 12 inch cast iron skillet! Thanks to all who entered!