Hearty Chorizo Chili made with lean ground beef, Portuguese chorizo, kidney beans, fire roasted tomatoes and seasonings is comfort food at its best.
Whenever I'm in the mood for chili, nine times out of ten I'll make this one with ground chicken. It's one of my favorites and super healthy. But every now and then I crave a classic beef chili.
I decided to make a new version using some of the Portuguese chorizo I had left in the freezer to make this Chorizo Chili.
What is Chorizo (or Chourico)?
Chorizo is a type of sausage that has large pieces of pork combined with seasonings like paprika and garlic that has a smoky flavor.
We purchase the Portuguese version from Fall River, MA where some of my father in laws family resided after coming to America from the Azores because that's the type he grew up on.
However, chorizo can be made differently with slight variations like the Spanish or Mexican variety; as well as have different names/spellings like chourico and linguica.
Chili is the perfect meal during winter months because not only does it warm you up on a cold day, it's so satisfying that a little goes a long way.
I made this Chorizo Chili on top of the stove in about an hour, but you can also prepare the ingredients, place them in your crock pot and cook on low while you're at work too for a quick weeknight meal.
How do you make chorizo chili?
For this recipe you'll need lean ground beef, chorizo, kidney beans, fire roasted diced tomatoes, scallions or onions, garlic, tomato paste, water, cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano.
You can also add diced peppers, but you should all know by now that we don't eat peppers. 🙂 Start by browning the ground beef in a Dutch oven or large pot; then add the diced chorizo and brown for another 3-4 minutes.
Next, add the scallions, garlic and any other vegetables to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they start to soften. Finally add your remaining ingredients and mix well.
Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally; then adjust your seasonings, adding some salt to your preference.
I start out with a little chili powder and ground cumin to begin with, but you'll want to wait after the chili has had some time to absorb the flavors to add more if you generally like your food a little spicier.
Sometimes you won't know how spicy the chorizo will make your chili until after it's been cooking for a while.
This recipe makes 8 cups and you can eat this Chorizo Chili as is or add toppings like sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese and/or extra scallions like we did. ~Enjoy!
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Chorizo Chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 ounces portuguese chorizo , casing removed, small dice
- 3 scallions , chopped
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1- (15-ounce) can kidney beans , rinsed, drained
- 1- (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1- (14-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Add the ground beef to a Dutch oven or large pot and brown; then add the chorizo and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add the scallions, garlic and any other vegetables to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they start to soften. Finally add your remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally; then adjust your seasonings, adding some salt to your preference. (I start out with a little chili powder and cumin to begin with, but you'll want to wait after the chili has had some time to absorb the flavors to add more if you generally like your food a little spicier because sometimes you won't know how spicy the chorizo will make your chili until after it's been cooking for a while.)
Notes
Nutrition
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