Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili

Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

The Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any game day gathering or a cozy night in. This recipe combines lean beef, black beans, and a blend of spices to create a chili that's both nutritious and satisfying. It's a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're feeding a crowd or looking for a comforting meal to enjoy with your family, this chili is sure to be a hit.

History

The origins of chili can be traced back to the American Southwest, where it was a staple among cowboys and pioneers. Over the years, chili has evolved into a beloved comfort food across the United States, with countless variations including this Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili. This particular recipe combines the rich flavors of traditional chili with the added heartiness of black beans and beef, making it a perfect dish for game day celebrations or a fulfilling family dinner.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1.5 lb (680 g) lean, boneless round steak, cut into 0.75 inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
0.5 tsp cumin
2 cans (14.5 oz / 411 g each) Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
2 cans (15-16 oz / 454 g) black beans, undrained
2 cans (14.5 oz / 411 g each) chicken broth
2 cans (4 oz / 113 g each) chopped green chilies
6 cups cooked rice
fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
sour cream for garnish

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot.
Add steak and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is just browned.
Add onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cook and stir for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onion is tender.
Add tomatoes, beans, broth, and chilies.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
Place 1 cup of rice in each of the 6 serving bowls.
Spoon 1.5 cups of chili over the rice and garnish with cilantro and sour cream.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and add an extra can of black beans or try using crumbled tofu for protein. You can also experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans, for variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To maximize the flavor of your Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili, consider browning the beef in batches to ensure it gets a nice sear. This process helps to lock in the juices and adds a depth of flavor to the chili. Additionally, don't rush the simmering process; allowing the chili to simmer gently will enable the flavors to meld together beautifully. For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chili over a bed of cooked rice to soak up all the delicious flavors. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for added freshness and creaminess. For a complete meal, accompany the chili with a side of cornbread or a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the other ingredients helps to develop the flavors in the chili. Simmering the chili allows the ingredients to cook slowly and meld together for a rich and cohesive dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, you can use regular stewed tomatoes and add a teaspoon of Mexican seasoning for flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used in place of beef broth, depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Make Ahead Tips

This chili tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the chili, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chili in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and edible presentation. Top with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a slice of lime for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this hearty chili with a light and crisp beer, such as a lager or pilsner, to balance the richness of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime complements the flavors nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this chili contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying meal that can fit into a balanced diet. The combination of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates provides sustained energy, making it an ideal dish for active individuals.

Carbohydrates

This chili is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily from the beans and rice. A serving of this dish provides approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy. The fiber content from the beans also helps in digestion and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.

Fats

The lean round steak used in this recipe keeps the fat content relatively low, with a serving containing about 10 grams of fat. Using vegetable oil for cooking and opting for low-fat sour cream as a garnish can also help minimize the dish's overall fat content.

Proteins

Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the lean beef and black beans. Each serving offers around 35 grams of protein, which is vital for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This chili is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes, iron and zinc from the beef, and magnesium and potassium from the black beans. These nutrients play crucial roles in maintaining overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy (if you omit the sour cream garnish or use a dairy-free alternative), and shellfish. However, it does contain gluten from the beef broth, so be sure to use a gluten-free broth if you're catering to those with gluten sensitivities.

Summary

Overall, the Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

The Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili is a versatile and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, nutritional benefits, and easy adaptability, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you're serving it up for a game day crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this chili is guaranteed to please.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known for her delicious and hearty dishes. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of simmering spices and savory meat.

"What are you cooking, Martha?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Martha turned to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Ah, my dear friend, today I am making my famous Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili. It's a recipe that has been passed down in my family for generations, and I must say, it's a real crowd-pleaser."

I watched in awe as Martha deftly chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers, adding them to a sizzling pan of ground beef. The rich, earthy scent of cumin, chili powder, and paprika filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As the chili simmered on the stove, Martha shared the story behind the recipe. She told me how her grandmother had learned to make it from a dear friend who was a master at creating hearty, comforting dishes. Together, they had perfected the balance of flavors and textures that made this chili truly unforgettable.

Over the years, Martha had added her own twist to the recipe, incorporating black beans for added protein and depth of flavor. She also liked to use a touch of dark chocolate to give the chili a hint of sweetness that perfectly complemented the smoky spices.

As I watched Martha work her culinary magic, I knew that I had to learn how to make this delicious dish for myself. I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed.

With pen and paper in hand, I diligently took notes as Martha walked me through each step of the cooking process. She explained the importance of browning the meat first to develop that rich, caramelized flavor, and how slowly simmering the chili allowed the flavors to meld together beautifully.

As the chili bubbled away on the stove, Martha and I sat down at her kitchen table to enjoy a steaming bowl of the finished dish. The tender chunks of beef, creamy black beans, and robust spices danced on my taste buds, creating a symphony of flavors that warmed me from the inside out.

I thanked Martha profusely for sharing her family recipe with me, knowing that it would become a beloved staple in my own kitchen. From that day on, I made Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili whenever I wanted to impress my family and friends with a hearty, flavorful meal.

As the years passed, I continued to refine and tweak the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it uniquely mine. I experimented with different types of beans, peppers, and spices, always striving to elevate the dish to new heights of deliciousness.

Whenever I made the chili, the scent of cumin, chili powder, and paprika would fill my home, bringing back fond memories of that day in Martha's kitchen when I first discovered the magic of this comforting, satisfying dish.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a steaming pot of Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili for my family to enjoy, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that led me to this moment. The recipe may have originated with Martha's family, but it has become a part of my own culinary repertoire, a cherished tradition that I will pass down to future generations.

As I stir the bubbling pot of chili, I can't help but smile, knowing that the delicious aroma wafting through my home will soon bring my loved ones running to the table. And as we gather together to savor the rich, hearty flavors of this timeless dish, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish both body and soul.