Ground Beef Green Chili Recipe – Hearty Food Ideas

With autumn creeping in, the days are shorter, and the nights are cooler. It's the perfect season for comfort food. One dish that never fails to warm my heart and fill my belly is ground beef green chili. 

The rich flavors, hearty texture, and versatility make it an absolute winner for family dinners or gatherings with friends. As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I appreciate a dish that offers comfort while also delivering nutritional value. 

In this post, I’ll walk you through a delightful journey on how to make ground beef green chili from scratch, complete with tips, tricks, and more than a few personal anecdotes. So grab your apron, and let's start cooking!

What is Ground Beef Green Chili?

Ground beef green chili is a savory dish that brings together tender beef, an array of spicy peppers, aromatic herbs, and comforting broth into a glorious stew. Picture yourself on a chilly evening, snuggled up with a warm bowl of this chili, enjoying each mouthful as flavors meld together in perfect harmony. 

It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The green chiles create a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from its red chili counterparts. With every bite, you get a taste of warmth, spice, and home.

Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Green Chili

Let’s get into why this ground beef green chili is a fantastic choice for dinner tonight. One, it's incredibly flexible. You can adjust spice levels based on personal preferences, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. Two, it's perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch over the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.

Moreover, the ingredient list showcases fresh vegetables, lean beef, and simple spices. In your pot, you'll find goodness from the peppers, the health benefits of garlic, and protein from the beef that can keep hunger at bay. It’s comfort food that’s also friendly to your waistline.

I have personalized this recipe over the years. It's been tested during chilly soccer games, at family gatherings, and cozy nights in. Every interaction with this dish has enhanced its flavor and my love for it.

The Ingredients You Will Need to Make Ground Beef Green Chili

Here’s a handy list of what you need to whip up this flavorful dish:

• 3 pounds chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 pound (about 3) poblano peppers, diced
• 1 pound (approximately 7) Anaheim or Hatch chiles, stems removed
• 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon bacon drippings or vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher sea salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups chicken stock (reduce to 3 cups for slow cooker)
• 1/2 pound fresh tomatillos, husked and halved
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons corn flour
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 
• 1 tablespoon honey 
• Sour cream, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Warmed tortillas, for serving
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the bacon drippings or vegetable oil. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Next, add in the minced garlic—don’t walk away! It only takes about a minute to turn golden and fragrant. That aroma? Pure magic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned all over. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Let the beef get nice and crispy in spots for added flavor.

Step 3: Add the Peppers

Now, toss in the diced poblano, Anaheim, and jalapeño peppers. Stir them in and allow them to cook with the beef for about 5 minutes. This will actually infuse the beef with all the wonderful flavors of the peppers. Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano—feel free to adjust according to your own tastes!

Step 4: Pour in the Stock

Next, slowly pour in the chicken stock. This is where your chili begins to really come to life. Add tomatillos, honey, smoked paprika, lime juice, and corn flour. Stir it well to combine.

Step 5: Let It Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 30 minutes to an hour. This step is critical. It allows the flavors to blend seamlessly. The longer it simmers, the better it gets.

Step 6: Stir in the Cilantro

Once your chili is thickened and aromatic, stir in the freshly chopped cilantro. This adds a lovely freshness to the dish.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with sour cream and more cilantro if you like. Don’t forget the warmed tortillas or tortilla chips on the side for that extra crunch.

Notes

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables. They enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Spice: Scared of heat? Use fewer jalapeños or skip them altogether. You can always add hot sauce later if you want more kick.
• Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
• Thicken It Up: If you prefer a thicker texture, let it simmer longer or add a bit more corn flour.
• Serving: Serve alongside a simple green salad for a refreshing complement.

Storage Tips

You can store any leftover ground beef green chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It also freezes wonderfully! Just pop it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion, and it’ll keep for several months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm gently on the stove, adding a little water or broth if it seems too thick.

Nutrition Information

ground beef green chili recipe nutrition facts

Serving Suggestions

Here are some fun ideas on how you can elevate your chili experience:

• Cornbread Muffins: Warm, buttery cornbread muffins are a perfect partner. Dip them into the chili for added delight.
• Cheesy Nachos: Load tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and a scoop of your chili on top for a nacho extravaganza!
• Rice Bowls: Serve the chili over rice. The rice soaks up all the flavors beautifully, turning your meal into a hearty bowl.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use the chili as a filling for bell peppers and bake them. A unique twist that’s fun and visually appealing.
• Taco Night: Fold chili into tacos with your favorite toppings—the herbs, the sour cream, the crunchy bits!

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Ground Beef Green Chili Recipe?

If ground beef isn’t your thing, consider these tasty alternatives:

• Ground Turkey: A leaner option that still delivers good flavor. It cooks up similarly and takes on the seasonings beautifully.
• Bison: This offers a richer taste and is leaner than beef. It’s a great choice for those wanting to cut back on fat.
• Lentils: For a plant-based twist, lentils provide protein and texture. Just ensure you cook them before adding to the chili.
• Pulled Pork: If you have leftovers from another meal or want something different, pulled pork brings a smoky flavor profile.
• Chopped Mushrooms: For a vegetarian version, adding mushrooms gives that hearty feel alongside beans for protein.

Conclusion

Cooking ground beef green chili is like making a warm hug in a bowl. It brings comfort and joy, and it’s a dish that invites conversation and connection. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends, family, or savoring it alone with a good book, this chili is bound to satisfy. 

The best part? With each serving, you nourish not only your body but also your spirit. So, grab those ingredients and let’s make something delicious together. Happy cooking!

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