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Thursday, September 19, 2013

Almost Fall and Easy Weeknight Chili

The official start of fall is only three days away, and you don't need a calendar to tell you that, either. The signs are everywhere now.  Leaves are starting to change color, the air is crisp, chrysanthemums of every hue are blooming, and pumpkins are popping up all over the place!  

Every change of season brings with it new inspiration for my home cooking.  One of my favorite meals to prepare when the weather gets chilly, is chili!  It's one of my favorite comfort foods.  I have been making variations of this chili for my family for several years now, experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings; always trying to improve it.  I made this chili last night.  Here is my recipe...


Easy Weeknight Chili (serves 4)



Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced (approx. 1/2 cup)
1/2 green bell pepper, diced (approx. 1/2 cup)
1/2 red bell pepper, diced (approx. 1/2 cup)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup diced tomato (fresh or canned)
2 cups strained tomatoes
3/4 cup water
3 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp salt 
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 can red kidney beans, drained (approx. 2 cups)

*you can use your favorite beans (black, pinto, kidney, or an assortment)

Optional: cilantro, sour cream, and grated cheddar cheese for garnish


Directions

In a large skillet, over medium high heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned. 


Drain the fat and set it aside.


In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat and saute onion, bell peppers and garlic until onion is translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.  Stir in diced tomatoes.


Stir in the browned ground beef, strained tomatoes, water, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Cook over medium high heat until the sauce begins to boil.  Bring the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes; with the lid on; stirring every so often.  


Stir the beans into the sauce.  Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. 


Garnish each bowl with chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream and grated cheddar cheese.
Mmm!  It was delicious and really hit the spot!

I will leave you with a photo I took this morning, out in my backyard, before dawn.  It is of the dazzling full harvest moon.  Isn't it magical?  




As always, I love to hear from you and appreciate all of your comments!


Happy Thursday and almost-fall!








20 comments:

  1. Looks delicious!

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    1. Thank you, Michelle! Love and hugs to you, Mathew, and Mia! xo

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  2. Your chili sounds just like I make my chili! Isn't there just something so yummy about the sour cream that "makes" it taste just right?! It is a go-to here for football season! I love how chili is connected with "all things Autumn!" mmmm.....now I'm hungry! Your blog always makes me hungry! LOL! Beautiful job! xo...Karen

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    1. Thank you, Karen! Chili is definitely a fall favorite around here. And, yes, it just wouldn't have the same "kick" without the sour cream. xoxo

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  3. This was just fantastic, thank you!

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  4. Good afternoon Rosinda,
    My chili recipe is almost identical to yours. It's funny, but this is what's for dinner at our home tonight! The air has changed here also--quite nippy in the mornings--fall is on its way! My favorite time of the year. Have a great day! xoxo ♥
    Martha Ellen

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    1. Good afternoon, Martha! I am guessing our recipes are similar because the fundamental ingredients for chili are pretty standard. How much we add of this & that and the way we prepare it makes all the difference. Enjoy the rest of your day and your "almost-fall" chili dinner! xoxo

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  5. Hi Rosinda,

    What a yummy fall dinner you made. I bet the family really enjoyed it. I love chili and it is something I can eat! Just have to watch the beans but I can have a few with no problem. You did a great job, it looks wonderful. I am looking forward to trying something with pumpkin, maybe a low carb dessert. xo

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    1. Thank you, Sandy! Yes, we all enjoyed it! Mmm...pumpkin! I'm sure whatever you make, it will be delicious! I bought some canned pumpkin yesterday. I am hoping to bake something soon, too! Happy almost-fall! xo

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  6. As with all your dishes, it looks absolutely deelish! And I can always smell it through the screen. Simple and yet so good, as all the best recipes invariably are. I love Autumn so much, and as we had a proper summer for once I am appreciating it all the more! No changing leaves yet, though. It will happen! Happy Thursday, my sweet friend xoxo

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  7. Thank you so much, dear Rachel! Isn't fall glorious? It's almost Friday...and then the weekend. Enjoy! xoxo

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  8. Oh that looks fantastic! I wish I had a bowl of that right NOW. I love chili! I was glad last night when I saw your moon. Maybe tonight I'll see it again. Autumn was always my fave season but here it's more hot than brisk. I can't wait to see all your foliage this year. Hope you had some leftovers! ♥

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    1. Thank you, Nancy! Anita took the chili leftovers to school for lunch today. I am looking forward to seeing the foliage too; not much longer now! I will share the photos with you! Have a good evening! <3

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  9. This is so yummy looking!!! Chili is such a great comfort food and it can be made in big batches, stored and served to large groups of people!!! I love your recipe. I would definitely use the fresh tomatoes and extra cilantro!

    Can't wait to get home and try it sweetie!!

    xoxo

    Joann

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment while on vacation! So glad you like the recipe. I hope you're having a wonderful time! xoxo

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  10. Rosinda, this chili looks delicious! Chili is perfect to warm our bones on a cold nights! Your recipe sounds wonderful (and easy!) and I can't wait to try it. It's one of my hubby's favorites! I'm so glad it's Fall. Horray for comfort food! ♥

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    1. Hello Danielle! How nice to see you here! Thank you for visiting. I hope you enjoy the recipe! It's a real favorite around here. Hooray for comfort food and fall! :)

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  11. Rosinda, your chili looks delicious. I'd like to put a spoon into my screen for a taste. I love to make a big pot of chili for my kids when they visit but I've never added cumin. I'll have to try that. Last time I used ground turkey instead of beef. Love a good fall recipe. XO Susan L

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    1. Thank you, Susan! I love the flavor that cumin adds to chili. You must try it next time! Ground turkey is a nice alternative to ground beef and it's just as delicious! XO

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