Hello, food lovers! Today, I'm thrilled to share with you a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish: Sweet Vegetarian Beef Chili with Cheese. Perfect for those chilly evenings, the big game or when you just crave something hearty yet meat-free, this recipe is sure to win over vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Plus, it's an easy way to sneak in some plant-based goodness into your diet. Let's dive into this scrumptious, cozy meal that's topped off with a unique sweet touch, creamy cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large onions, chopped (for added sweetness)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 package (12 oz) vegetarian ground beef substitute
2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan alternative)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tortilla chips (for garnish)
Optional toppings: sour cream (or vegan alternative), diced avocado
Instructions:
Start with Sautéing: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are tender and sweet, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Veggies: Toss in the bell pepper for a bit of color and crunch, cooking it for 2-3 minutes.
Time for 'Beef': Stir in your vegetarian ground beef substitute. Cook it until it's nicely browned and heated through, giving it that real beefy feel.
Beans and Tomatoes: Next, add kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. This trio is the heart of your chili.
Spice It Up: Pour in the vegetable broth and season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. This spice blend is what gives the chili its soul-warming flavor.
Let It Simmer: Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You're looking for a gorgeous thickening of the chili here.
Cheesy Goodness: Remove the pot from heat and stir in half of your cheese until it's beautifully melted into the chili.
Garnish & Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls, top with the rest of the cheese, sprinkle some fresh parsley, and don't forget those tortilla chips for an added crunch.
Enjoy! Your sweet vegetarian beef chili is now ready to be devoured. It's a symphony of flavors and textures – the sweetness from onions, the creamy cheese, and that irresistible crunch from tortilla chips.
There you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavorful Sweet Vegetarian Beef Chili with Cheese recipe that's sure to become a new favorite in your household. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a classic chili without the meat, and the added sweetness from the onions brings a delightful twist. Serve it up on a game day, as a comforting weeknight dinner, or at your next family gathering. It's not just a dish; it's a warm hug in a bowl!
Do try out this recipe and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!
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