Ultimate Beef Chili

Chili is one of my comfort foods. It's especially good on a rainy day (which is what we have most days now). This recipe is from Eating Well. My husband and son don't like beans, but they enjoyed this dish.

Offer garnishes, such as reduced-fat sour cream and grated Cheddar cheese (about 1 tablespoon each per person), chopped scallions and chopped fresh tomatoes. Serve with warmed corn tortillas and a green salad topped with orange slices.

Makes 12 servings, 1 cup each

Ingredients

1 pound beef round, trimmed and cut into ½-inch chunks
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
1 ½ tablespoons canola oil, divided
3 onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
12 ounces dark or light beer (this is optional for me; I use water instead)
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
8 sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil), snipped into small pieces
2 bay leaves
3 19-ounce cans dark kidney beans, rinsed
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice

Ultimate Beef Chili Ingredients Cont.

Ultimate Beef Chili Instructions

1. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, 2 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with another 1 1/2 teaspoons oil and remaining beef.
2. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to the pot. Add onions and bell peppers; cook, stirring frequently, until onions are golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Add garlic, jalapenos, cumin, chili powder, paprika and oregano. Stir until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
3. Add beer and simmer, scraping up any browned bits, for about 3 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, bay leaves and reserved beef. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beef is very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4. Add beans; cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until chili has thickened, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Ultimate Beef Chili Instructions Cont.

Ultimate Beef Chili Tips

Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

For a hot, smoky chili, add 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

Ultimate Beef Chili Tips Cont.

Ultimate Beef Chili Nutrition Information

Per serving: 235 calories; 4 g fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono); 17 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbohydrate; 19 g protein; 10 g fiber; 456 mg sodium; 582 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (90% daily value), Fiber (38% dv), Vitamin A (35% dv), Iron (20% dv).

1 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings