Smoky Beef & Lentil Chili
Serves 7
This smoky beef lentil chili is made with lean ground beef, brown lentils, kidney beans and plenty of vegetables for a hearty, high-protein chili that’s also packed with fiber.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- 1¼ lbs lean ground beef, 90/10 or 93/7
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 medium carrots, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chile powder
- 1½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ cup dried brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
- 1½ cups chicken bone broth plus up to ½ cup more as needed
- 1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the onion, red and green bell peppers, and grated carrots. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chipotle chile powder, salt and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.
- Stir in the lentils and 1½ cups broth. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover and cook for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are beginning to become tender. Add up to ½ cup additional broth, as needed, if the chili becomes too thick or you prefer a looser consistency.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and both kidney beans.
- Simmer uncovered for another 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are fully tender and the chili has thickened.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve with Greek yogurt, diced avocado, shredded sharp cheddar, fresh cilantro or other favorite toppings.