"Beefy" Bean Chili

Looking for an easy meal that's filling, cooks quickly AND makes plenty of leftovers? This "Beefy" Chili fits all those points! It's hearty, a little spicy, and very nutritious. Cook this on a Sunday and have leftovers well into the week!

We like to have this over rice or with a couple slices of sourdough bread. 

Original recipe from Cookie + Kate

"Beefy" Bean Chili

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 med. red onion, diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped 
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• ½ tsp salt, divided

Spices

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 Tbsp cumin
• 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Canned

• 1 large can (28 oz) or 2 small cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes, with their juices
• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed & drained
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, rinsed & drained

Other

• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro
•  1 to 2 tsp lime juice

Garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, tortilla chips, dairy-free cheese or sour cream

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Stir to combine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender & onion is translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.
2. Stir in the rest of the spices. Cook until fragrant, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
3. Add diced tomatoes, drained black beans & pinto beans, broth & bay leaf. Stir to combine; let the mixture come to a simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally and maintaining a gentle simmer, for 30 minutes.
4. Remove chili from the heat & discard the bay leaf. For the best texture and flavor, blend the chili briefly with an immersion blender, or mash with a potato masher until it reaches a thicker consistency.)
5. Add the cilantro, lime juice & salt to taste, plus your preferred toppings.

Enjoy!