Chili Colorado Recipe In Brick-Red Chile Bath

I know the struggle of wanting a hearty, home-cooked meal without the fuss, and this recipe delivers. This deeply flavorful chili colorado recipe, with its rich, earthy aroma, promises a deeply satisfying, family-friendly dinner. Perfect for busy parents looking for easy meal prep or anyone craving a robust, comforting dish, this recipe is surprisingly simple yet packed with authentic flavor. It’s a wonderful way to bring a healthy, high-protein meal to your table any night. We’ll cover everything from key ingredients and step-by-step cooking to smart variations and practical tips.

Ingredient Profile & Healthy Substitutes

• Core List with Measurements and Purpose:
• Lean beef chuck roast (boneless, 2-3 lbs / 0.9-1.4 kg), cut into 1-2 inch cubes for tender texture.
• Dried New Mexico chiles (6-8 large), for a foundational earthy, mild heat.
• Guajillo chiles (4-6 large), adding a fruity, slightly smoky depth.
• Garlic cloves (4), peeled, for aromatic richness.
• Onion (1 medium), quartered, to build flavor.
• Chicken broth (4 cups / 940 ml), low sodium, for simmering and sauce consistency (or use beef broth for extra depth).
• Ground cumin (1 tsp), for warm, earthy notes.
• Dried Mexican oregano (1 tsp), for classic, pungent aroma.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, for seasoning.
• Vegetable oil (2 tbsp / 30 ml), for browning.
• Upgraded Versions: For enhanced nutrition and flavor, consider using grass-fed beef chuck roast and organic chiles. Using bone broth instead of regular chicken broth can add extra richness and nutrients.
• Smart Substitutions for Trending Diets: For a delicious low-carb dinner, serve this chili colorado recipe over cauliflower rice instead of traditional tortillas. For a plant-based option, swap beef chuck roast for jackfruit or large mushrooms, adjusting cooking time until tender.
• Notes on Ingredient Freshness, Seasonality, and Storage: Always choose pliable, fragrant dried chiles; avoid those that are brittle or dusty. Store dried chiles in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Fresh beef chuck roast should be used within 2-3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Crafting this flavorful chili colorado recipe is straightforward once you have your ingredients ready.

1. Prep Chiles (15-20 mins): Start by wiping dried chiles clean. Remove stems and most seeds. Place chiles in a heatproof bowl, then pour enough boiling water over them to cover completely. Let them rehydrate for 15-20 minutes until very soft and pliable. Ensure they are fully submerged, using a plate to weigh them down if needed, for even softening.
2. Make Chile Sauce (10-15 mins): Drain the softened chiles, reserving some soaking liquid. In a blender, combine the rehydrated chiles, garlic cloves, quartered onion, cumin, oregano, 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Blend until very smooth. I’ve found that straining the chile sauce through a fine-mesh sieve, while optional, creates an incredibly silky and luxurious texture that really elevates this dish.
3. Brown Beef Chuck Roast (10-15 mins): Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-2 inch cubes. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Brown the beef chuck roast in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until golden on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. This step develops deep flavor.
4. Simmer & Tenderize (2-3 hours): Return all browned beef chuck roast to the pot. Pour in the smooth chile sauce and the remaining chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly and cook until the beef chuck roast is fork-tender, about 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This slow simmer is crucial for a truly tender chili colorado.
5. Serve (5 mins): Once the beef is tender, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be brick-red and have a thickened, rich consistency, coating the back of a spoon. You’ll have a healthy, high-protein chili colorado recipe ready to enjoy.

Optional Variations for Cooking

• Instant Pot Method: After browning the beef chuck roast, add the chile sauce and broth to the Instant Pot. Cook on High Pressure for 45-50 minutes, then allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before opening.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown the beef chuck roast as instructed. Combine the browned beef, chile sauce, and broth in your slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, until the beef is meltingly tender.

Quick “Avoid This Mistake” Callouts

• Don’t rush the simmering time for the beef chuck roast – truly tender beef is key to a superior chili colorado.
• Don’t skip straining the sauce if you prefer a super smooth texture; this extra step is worth the effort for a refined finish.

Best Occasions & Creative Serving Ideas

This chili colorado recipe In Brick-Red Chile Bath is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or a comforting holiday meal. It also makes for a hearty meal prep lunch, offering convenient and satisfying flavor.

• Pairings: Serve with warm flour tortillas, rice, cilantro lime rice, sour cream, shredded cheese (cotija or cheddar), chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion, or avocado slices. Pairs well with horchata or a crisp, non-alcoholic beverage.
• Storage & Reheating: Stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, ideal for healthy meal prep. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick.

Health & Everyday Benefits of Chili Colorado

This chili colorado recipe In Brick-Red Chile Bath is an excellent source of protein, crucial for muscle building and satiety. It’s rich in iron and B vitamins from the meat, while the chiles provide valuable antioxidants and capsaicin.

This hearty, satisfying meal is naturally gluten-free and easily becomes a low-carb dinner when served with appropriate sides. It fits well into healthy eating plans, providing high-protein options for easy weeknight cooking and family dinners. Adjustments can make it suitable for paleo diets (ensure no sugar in broth, use paleo-friendly sides) and heart-healthy diets (choose lean cuts of meat, monitor sodium intake).

Budget, Prep & Time Value

Making this chili colorado recipe In Brick-Red Chile Bath offers excellent time and budget value. The active prep time is only 25-30 minutes, followed by a 2-3 hour stovetop cook time for deep flavor.

At approximately $3-$4 per serving, it’s an economical choice for family meals. Save money by purchasing meat on sale, buying dried chiles in bulk from a Latin market, and preparing your own broth. It’s an ideal candidate for meal prep; cook a large batch on Sunday and portion for quick, healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week, even freezing individual servings.

Ingredient Shopping & Trendy Picks

For your chili colorado recipe In Brick-Red Chile Bath, sourcing quality ingredients makes a difference. You’ll find most items like meat and spices at your local supermarket. Latin markets often provide the best selection and value for dried chiles.

Consider organic meat if your budget permits, though conventional chiles are generally acceptable. Explore specialty food stores or online spice retailers for unique chile varieties to elevate your cooking.

Expert Adjustments & Pro Hacks

Elevate your chili colorado recipe In Brick-Red Chile Bath with these expert adjustments. For richer flavor, add a pinch of Mexican chocolate or a bay leaf during the simmering stage. A final squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the overall profile beautifully. I’ve found adding a bay leaf during the simmer truly deepens the savory notes without much effort.

Adjust the sauce texture by simmering uncovered for the last 30 minutes to thicken, or add more broth for a thinner consistency. For allergy modifications, always ensure your broth is gluten-free. If you’re dairy-free, simply omit any cheese or sour cream toppings.

FAQs

Is chili colorado good for weight loss diets?

Yes, this chili colorado recipe In Brick-Red Chile Bath is an excellent choice. It’s naturally high in protein, which helps with satiety. When served over cauliflower rice or with a simple green salad instead of grains, it can be a fantastic low-carb meal, fitting into many healthy eating plans.

Can I make chili colorado ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld. It’s perfect for meal prep; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for longer.

Where can I buy dried New Mexico and guajillo chiles online?

For the best selection and quality, I often turn to online retailers. You can find excellent dried New Mexico and guajillo chiles on Amazon, from specialty spice shops like Penzeys Spices, or through dedicated online Mexican food stores.

What’s the best substitute for meat in this recipe?

If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional meat, beef chuck roast works beautifully and offers a similar rich texture. For a vegetarian option in this dish, consider using tender jackfruit or hearty mushrooms, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

How do I make the chile sauce less spicy?

To reduce the heat in your chile sauce, simply remove more of the seeds and veins from the dried chiles before rehydrating and blending. Most of the capsaicin, which provides the spice, resides in these parts.

What sides go well with chili colorado?

This versatile chili colorado recipe In Brick-Red Chile Bath pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include warm rice, soft tortillas, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Cornbread also offers a delightful contrast.

Can I use fresh chiles instead of dried?

While dried chiles are key to the authentic, deep brick-red color and rich flavor of the dish, fresh roasted poblanos or anchos could be used in a pinch. Be aware that the flavor profile and color will be noticeably different.

This chili colorado recipe In Brick-Red Chile Bath offers a truly satisfying, deeply flavorful meal that’s simpler than you think, perfect for nourishing your family with healthy eating. I guarantee this easy dinner idea will become a new favorite; save this recipe on Pinterest to keep it handy!

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