5 Easy Chili Colorado Recipes for Dinner Tonight

When the chill of evening sets in and you're looking for a warm, comforting meal, there's nothing quite like the deep, rich flavors of chili to lift your spirits. Chili Colorado, with its roots in Mexican cuisine, is a beloved stew that perfectly balances meat, spice, and heat. Here, we present five easy-to-follow recipes for Chili Colorado, each offering a unique take on this classic dish, ensuring that you have the perfect recipe for any occasion or dietary preference. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, these recipes are crafted to streamline the cooking process, focusing on delicious outcomes with straightforward ingredients.

Traditional Chili Colorado

If you’re looking to experience the essence of Mexican culinary tradition, this is the recipe for you.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cubed
• 10 dried New Mexico chiles
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chiles: Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles. Rinse under cold water and place in a bowl. Cover with hot water and let soak for 20-30 minutes.
2. Blend the Chiles: Drain the chiles, reserving the soaking liquid. Blend the chiles with just enough soaking liquid to make a smooth puree.
3. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches. Set aside.
4. Cook Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, cook the chopped onions until translucent, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Add Spices and Broth: Stir in cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the beef back into the pot, pour in the broth, and bring to a simmer.
6. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
7. Thicken: Stir in the flour mixed with a little water into the chili to thicken.
8. Serve: Adjust seasonings if necessary and serve hot.

🍲 Note: For an extra depth of flavor, toast the chiles in a dry pan before soaking.

Slow Cooker Chili Colorado

Perfect for those seeking convenience without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients:

• Same as the Traditional Chili Colorado, with the addition of 1 can of tomato sauce.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chiles: Follow the same steps as the Traditional recipe to prepare and puree the chiles.
2. Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, layer the browned beef, onions, garlic, spices, puree, beef broth, and tomato sauce.
3. Cook: Set your slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
4. Thicken: If you prefer a thicker chili, mix the flour with a little water and stir it into the cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve: Adjust seasonings as needed and serve directly from the cooker.

Vegetarian Chili Colorado

For those who choose a plant-based diet, this variation is just as satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of portobello mushrooms, diced
• 10 dried Ancho chiles
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons masa harina or cornmeal

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chiles: Repeat the preparation steps from the Traditional recipe with Ancho chiles.
2. Brown Mushrooms: Instead of beef, brown your diced mushrooms in the same pot until they release their moisture.
3. Follow Traditional Steps: Continue with onions, garlic, spices, and broth as described in the Traditional recipe.
4. Thicken: Use masa harina or cornmeal for a traditional thickener, adding it after the chili has simmered for an hour.
5. Simmer: Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the flavors meld together.
6. Serve: Season to taste and serve with your favorite vegetarian toppings.

Spicy Lamb Chili Colorado

Add an exotic twist with this spicy lamb variant.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cubed
• 10 dried Guajillo chiles
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups lamb or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Chile Preparation: Soak, blend, and prepare the Guajillo chiles as in the Traditional recipe.
2. Brown Lamb: Brown the lamb cubes in oil, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and coriander.
3. Cook Onions and Garlic: Proceed with the onions and garlic, then combine with the lamb and chile puree.
4. Add Stock: Pour in the stock and bring to a simmer.
5. Simmer: Let it cook on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Thicken: Use cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the chili before serving.
7. Serve: Adjust seasonings as necessary and enjoy the spicy goodness.

Beef and Beer Chili Colorado

Enhance the flavor profile with beer for a truly unique dining experience.

Ingredients:

• Same as Traditional Chili Colorado, but replace 1 cup of beef broth with 1 bottle of dark Mexican beer.

Instructions:

1. Chile Preparation: Follow the Traditional recipe steps to prepare the chiles.
2. Brown Beef: Brown the beef as in the Traditional recipe.
3. Follow Traditional Steps: Continue with onions, garlic, spices, but use the beer in place of part of the broth.
4. Simmer: Let it cook for 2-3 hours, allowing the beer to meld with the other ingredients.
5. Thicken: Thicken with flour as in the Traditional recipe.
6. Serve: Adjust for flavor and serve this unique version of chili.

🍺 Note: The choice of beer can greatly affect the flavor. Choose a dark Mexican beer for authenticity.

The key to a flavorful and authentic Chili Colorado lies in the careful selection and preparation of the chiles. Whether you opt for the traditional recipe or explore a spicier or vegetarian variant, the warmth and richness of this dish will make your dinner memorable. These five recipes provide a spectrum of flavors, from deeply traditional to innovative twists, catering to every palate and ensuring that your next meal is a cozy, flavorful feast. Embrace the culinary adventure of chili-making, savor the rich aromas and tastes, and celebrate the diversity of this cherished dish.

What’s the best cut of meat for Chili Colorado?

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Beef chuck is commonly used due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked. However, other cuts like shoulder or brisket work well too.

Can I make Chili Colorado ahead of time?

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Absolutely! Chili Colorado actually improves with flavor after a day or two, as the ingredients have time to meld together. Just reheat gently and serve.

How can I make Chili Colorado less spicy?

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Reduce the number of chiles used or select milder varieties like Ancho or Guajillo. You can also add more onions, garlic, or other ingredients to balance the heat.