Lean Beef Chili with Beans and Vegetables

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef 5 oz
• Kidney beans 0.5 cup
• Diced tomatoes 1 cup
• Onion 0.5 cup
• Bell pepper 0.5 cup
• Olive oil 1 teaspoon
• Chili powder 1 teaspoon
• Ground cumin 0.5 teaspoon
• Garlic powder 0.25 teaspoon
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Method

1. Prepare your ingredients. Wash and chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. Drain and rinse the kidney beans if using canned. Measure out all your spices and ingredients so they’re ready to use.
   Tip: Having all ingredients prepped before cooking makes the process smoother and faster.
2. Heat olive oil and sauté vegetables. Place a medium-sized pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and let it warm up for about 30 seconds. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally, and cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
   Tip: Don’t rush this step; cooking the vegetables properly builds flavor.
3. Brown the lean ground beef. Add the lean ground beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small pieces. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
   Tip: Make sure the beef is well browned for the best flavor; avoid steaming by not overcrowding the pan.
4. Add tomatoes, beans, and spices. Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the rinsed kidney beans. Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.
   Tip: Adjust spices to your taste; start with less and add more if needed after tasting.
5. Simmer the chili. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the chili simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
   Tip: If the chili gets too thick, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Final taste and serve. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder. Once satisfied, turn off the heat and serve your lean beef chili warm. It pairs well with rice, cornbread, or a simple green salad.
   Tip: Chili often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

Pro tips

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content while keeping protein high.
• Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and improves flavor.