As hubby and I were watching the Illinois vs Northwestern football game last weekend while visiting his family for Thanksgiving, it suddenly struck me that it was the last game of the season. Because, ya know, Illinois football in the post-season is most definitely not a thing. As a loyal, life-long Cubs fan however, my 31 years on this earth has taught me some patience and perseverance when it comes to cheering on teams that…well, suck.
Anywho. We got our butts handed to us. No shocker there.
This is the time of year that the start of college basketball overlaps with the end of the college football season and as a lover of both college sports, I’m a happy camper. And luckily, Illini basketball tends to deliver a bit more than Illini football.
As for chili, none of the above matters. The late Indian summer in Michigan is undoubtedly over and we’re settling in for a few months of short days, cold temperatures, and probably plenty of that white fluffy stuff that results in daycare cancelations and consequently, stressed out mamas who need to get to work.
Snow will happen. The days will eventually get longer and brighter. Someday. Until then, I can focus on happier things, like planning my Christmas menu, making my baking list, and enjoying comfort food. With or without football. Or basketball. I mean, the Super Bowl will be here in no time, right?
The chili contest continues with this gem. I have to step back and ask myself why I’ve never tried fried onions before, because…um…they’re like, reeeaally good. Especially on chili. I’m a huge fan. I’m also a huge fan of the load of veggies this chili starts with. It has beans, a bit of heat…and meat – it’s a nice little balance of good and good for you that has fantastic flavor. You’ll love it!
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 celery stalk, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, chopped
- 3 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 lbs 90% lean ground beef
- ½ tsp salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans (do not drain)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1½ cups 2% plain Greek yogurt
- 1½ Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup canned fried onions, for topping
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion, bell pepper, celery, carrots, and jalapenos; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, chipotle, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and oregano. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are well coated, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons water if the mixture gets too dry, about 3 minutes.
- Add the beef, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, beans, bay leaf, and 1 cup water; stir. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
- Meanwhile, combine the yogurt, vinegar, cilantro, chives, scallions, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve chili hot, topped with ranch sour cream and 2 tablespoons fried onions.
- Sunday: BBQ Chicken Tostadas with salad
- Monday: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos
- Tuesday: leftovers
- Wednesday: Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls
- Thursday: leftovers
Be well,
I absolutely love chilis so this is definitely my kind of meal. My husband and kids do not though so I might cook it for myself and gfs when we have a little girls hangout! This looks really great, thanks for sharing ๐
I am so far behind on my blog reading, but glad I am keeping up on your Instagram! Glad you liked this chili – and the kadults in my house appreciate the french fried onions – a lot ๐
Have a great day!