Thursday 7 February 2013

Budget Friendly Recipes: Chili On The Cheap!

If you're like most people, your budget is tight and you're looking for a way to make some easy, cheap, and great-tasting meals. Chili is one of the best foods around, and it's also one of the cheapest! Here is a great budget friendly recipe for some seriously tasty chili.

Getting The Meat Right

Die-hard chili fans will tell you that you've got to use some type of steak or other whole cut of meat. However, ground beef is a MUCH more economical and still-delicious way of making this classic dish. Budget friendly recipes might need to compromise on authenticity, but never on flavor!

The best meat to use is one with a moderate fat content - too much and you have a greasy chili, too little and the meat is just dry and tasteless. Go for about 80% lean to get the best flavor out of this budget friendly recipe.

To Bean or not to Bean?

Again, chili enthusiasts have a strong opinion that beans are a big no-no when it comes to making a good chili. However, many people simply love the flavor and texture of beans in their chili, and they sure do make it a more well-rounded meal.

Personally, I love to use beans. I like a combination of black and red beans, and I use about equal parts beans and meat. Go with whatever you like best, but remember that the less beans you use, the more meat you'll need, and meat is much more expensive.

Spices and Other Ingredients

Of course it's the spices that can really make or break a great bowl of chili! You'll need plenty of cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. If you don't already have these on hand, pick up a good amount of each, as they are super-useful in lots of budget friendly recipes!

Next, you'll need some veggies. For every two pounds of ground beef you use, you'll need one large can of crushed tomatoes in their juice. Also, you'll need onions (as many or little as you like) and a few jalapeno peppers.

Putting It All Together

Making this budget friendly chili recipe couldn't be easier. You're going to need a cast-iron or other sturdy skillet and a big pot or dutch oven with a lid. Start by browning all of the meat you're using in the skillet, and then transfer it to the pot. Do the same with the onions, adding spices along with way.

Once all of the meat and onions are in the pot, add the tomatoes, beans, diced jalapenos, and more spices. Turn the heat and low, put the lid on, and cook for 4-5 hours. You'll need to stir it every so often, so stick around! Also, adjust your spices as you go along.

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