We enjoy chili – whether it is a veggie chili or one that contains meat, chili is a versatile meal that can be changed up numerous ways.
In today’s chili, we added ground beef, beans and a few different veggies that helps to make it a hearty meal. We also sometimes eat pasta or rice with it and even top it with a kefir-style yogurt (you can also use sour cream), green onions, salsa, shredded cheese (even vegan cheese on a veggie chili) or black olives for a loaded chili. This chili can be eaten as is with cornbread or fresh bread, or even eaten by the campfire with fire cooked hotdogs or piled on nachos later in the evening warmed over the campfire! It really is versatile and you can toss in any of your favorite veggies or leave them out completely!
Let’s get cooking! This hearty chili will be a family favorite!
First brown up some ground beef. I used 2lbs of ground beef that we had ground ourselves. You can use beef, pork (or a combination of beef and pork), bison, wild meat or even ground poultry. I always add the same seasonings that are going in my chili in the ground meat as it cooks. I also add minced garlic. While the meat is browning, saute onions, garlic, carrot and celery with salt, pepper, dill, smoked paprika and chili powder.
Once onions are translucent, add beans (I used black beans and butter beans), diced tomatoes, tomato paste and water. Toss in some more seasonings, cover and let cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add bell peppers and any other veggie you enjoy like olives, mushrooms zucchini and so on! It is super versatile — add your favorites! Cook another 20 minutes and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Hearty Chili
2 lbs ground beef – you can also use 1lb for a smaller batch and any ground meat you like
2 small onions, chopped
1 celery stalk, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 – 28oz can diced tomatoes or 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
2 cups water
1 small can tomato paste
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup butter beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp dill
1 bell pepper, chopped
Cook ground meat until browned. Add a bit of minced garlic, salt and pepper, a sprinkle of dill and chili powder to the meat as it cooks.
In a large pot, saute onions, celery, carrot, garlic until onion is translucent in a splash of oil. Add a splash of water to the pot if it goes dry. Once onions are cooked, add ground meat, diced tomatoes, water, tomato paste, beans, and seasonings. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add bell pepper and taste for seasonings, adding more if necessary. Cook for an additional 20 minutes before serving. Serve with rice, pasta or any toppings you like, or simply serve the chili as is.
