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Tex Mex Chili

Warm your soul with a hearty bowl of Tex Mex Beef and Bean Chili. This recipe is a delicious twist on traditional chili, featuring a rich blend of ground beef, ranch beans, and a symphony of flavors from fire-roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices. Topped with roasted corn, cotija cheese It’s the ultimate comfort food for those seeking a little extra zing in their chili.

 

Creator: Leslie Stokes

This chili transports your taste buds to the lively, colorful world of Tex Mex Cuisine

 

 It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. This chili recipe is a celebration of bold Southwestern flavors with a twist, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your apron and get ready to delight your taste buds with this sensational dish!

 

Ingredients:

  • 1lb ground beef 
  • 3 (15 oz) cans ranch beans
  • 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/3 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 onion, chopped 
  • 16 oz of salsa
  • 1/8 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili powder 
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt + pepper to taste
  • **Toppings:** – Roasted corn – Cotija cheese – Fresh cilantro – Chopped green onions – Sour cream – Corn chips

***see the full recipe below

Meat Choice: You can use ground beef, but ground pork or turkey are excellent alternatives if you prefer a leaner option.

Custom Spice Level: Adjust the chipotle in adobo sauce and chili powder quantities to control the spiciness of the chili. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.

Sautéing the Veggies: Sautéing the bell peppers and onions with the beef enhances the depth of flavor in your chili. This step is worth the extra time and effort.

Simmering Time: Let the chili simmer to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes. It’s even more delicious the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

Bean Variety: If you can’t find ranch beans, pinto beans or black beans are suitable substitutes.

Toppings Galore: There are so many possibilities and I highly encourage you to venture out from just cheese + cornbread. I’m thinking avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime juice for a personalized touch. But the corn chips and roasted corn are a must with this chili

The Corn + Cotija cheese elevate this chili

 

Roasted corn is a delightful culinary creation that takes the natural sweetness of corn to new heights. This process involves cooking corn kernels over an open flame, in the oven, or on a grill until they develop a beautifully smoky, charred exterior. The result is a delightful contrast between the slightly caramelized, crispy edges and the juicy, tender kernels beneath. Roasted corn not only offers a rich, smoky flavor but also a hint of sweetness, making it a perfect addition to a variety of dishes, from salads to salsas, and, of course, your Tex-Mex Chili. Its smoky notes and unique texture can elevate the overall taste experience, adding depth and complexity to your culinary creations.

Cotija cheese is a distinctive and flavorful Mexican cheese that adds a unique dimension to your culinary creations. This crumbly, white cheese is renowned for its salty and slightly tangy taste, which makes it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Whether you’re sprinkling it over your Tex-Mex Fiesta Chili or incorporating it into other recipes, cotija cheese enhances the overall taste by providing a delightful combination of creaminess, saltiness, and a touch of zest. It’s a fantastic cheese to experiment with in your kitchen to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.

How can I make this healthier?

 

1. Leaner Protein: Use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken instead of regular ground beef to reduce the fat content while still maintaining great flavor. 
 
 2. Reduced Sodium: Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added canned beans and tomatoes to help control your salt intake. You can always adjust the seasoning with herbs and spices for flavor. 
 
 3. Greek Yogurt: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt as a healthier topping. It provides a creamy texture with added protein and probiotics. 
 
 4. Whole Grains: Serve the chili with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice or corn chips for a fiber and nutrient boost. 
 
 5. Veggie Boost: Increase the vegetable content by adding more bell peppers, zucchini, or other veggies to the chili. This not only adds nutrients but also reduces the calorie density. 
 
 6. Avocado Slices: Include fresh avocado slices as a topping. Avocado is rich in healthy fats and adds a creamy texture to your chili.
 
 7. Lighter Cheese: If you’re watching your calories, use a smaller amount of cotija cheese or opt for a reduced-fat version. 
 
 8. Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating. Sometimes, just reducing the portion can make a big difference in calorie intake. 
 
 9. Homemade Salsa: Make your own salsa with fresh ingredients to control the salt and sugar content. You can also adjust the spiciness to your liking. 
 
 10. Baked Tortilla Chips: Choose baked or whole-grain tortilla chips as a lighter alternative to the classic corn chips. These options will help make your Tex-Mex Fiesta Chili healthier without sacrificing flavor. It’s all about making smart ingredient choices and cooking techniques to fit your dietary preferences and goals.

I hope you and your family enjoy this Chili!

 

Don’t forget to follow along on social media for more recipes just like this!

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my crockpot + dutch oven

Tex Mex Chili

Warm your soul with a hearty bowl of Tex Mex Beef and Bean Chili. This recipe is a delicious twist on traditional chili, featuring a rich blend of ground beef, ranch beans, and a symphony of flavors from fire-roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices. Topped with roasted corn, cotija cheese It's the ultimate comfort food for those seeking a little extra zing in their chili.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ red bell pepper chopped
  • ½ green bell pepper chopped
  • ½ of a yellow onion chopped
  • 3 15oz cans of ranch beans undrained
  • 1 14.5 oz can of fire roasted tomatoes
  • 1 16oz jar of your favorite salsa
  • 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce
  • â…› cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • salt + pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

  • roasted corn roast your own or buy frozen
  • cotija cheese
  • jalapenos
  • cilantro
  • green onions
  • corn chips
  • sour cream

Let's Make It
 

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it into small pieces with a spatula and cook until it's browned. 
  • Add the chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften
  •  Stir in the chipotle in adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices will infuse the mixture with incredible flavor. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in the ranch beans and fire-roasted tomatoes. Give it all a good stir to combine. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Stir in the salsa and chopped cilantro. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. I like to let the chili cook on low for at least 1-2 hours so that all of the flavors can really come together.
  • Ladle your ranch-style chili into bowls. Top each serving with a generous amount of roasted corn, jalapenos, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Don't forget to add a handful of corn chips for that satisfying crunch. 7
  • Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. And as always, chili taste better the next day! I love to transform my leftovers into nachos, stuffed potatoes or chili mac and cheese!
Keyword chicken enchilada soup, instant pot soup, instant pot chicken soup, instant pot recipes, chicken soup, chili, chili and cornbread, chili recipe, corn chili, homemade chili, ranch chili, tex mex chili

Nutrition Facts

nutritional information is based on 6 servings per batch of chili
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January 17, 2021 No Comments