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Easy Loaded Chili Bowls

Easy Loaded Chili Bowls

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Ingredients

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  • 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and green onions

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a splash of oil if needed, then toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot to keep the chili light and flavorful.
  3. Step 3: Season and Toast Spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast with the meat and vegetables for about 2 minutes. This “blooming” process awakens the oils in the spices, providing a much deeper flavor than simply stirring them into the liquid.
  4. Step 4: Simmer the Chili: Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Assemble the Loaded Bowls: Ladle the hot chili into deep bowls. This is the fun part! Top each bowl generously with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, and green onions. Serve immediately while the cheese is melting.