This healthy basic beef chili recipe is well worth doubling so you can throw a batch in the freezer. Serve topped with diced red onion, sliced scallions, shredded cheese and your favorite hot sauce.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as canola or avocado
3 cups finely chopped onions
2 cups finely chopped green bell peppers
1 clove garlic, minced
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% or leaner)
1 cup water
1 14-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
2 medium bay leaves
¼ cup chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
¾ teaspoon salt
ground pepper to taste
pinch of cayenne pepper
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed
Directions:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, peppers and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 15 minutes. Add beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, 7 to 8 minutes. Add water, tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, bay leaves, chili powder, cumin, vinegar, salt, pepper and cayenne; stir well to combine. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour.
Stir in beans and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes more. Remove bay leaves before serving.
