Photo of Cajun Beef Chili by WW

Cajun Beef Chili

3
Points® value
Total Time
40 min
Prep
20 min
Cook
20 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Easy
Classic beef and bean chili takes a spin with a base of sauteed onion, garlic, and peppers (in this case canned green chilies), also known as the "holy trinity" in Cajun cooking. Store-bought Cajun or Creole seasoning often contains a lot of sodium so taste a pinch of it before adding salt as you're cooking. If yours is no-salt-added or salt-free, season the beef with 1/2 tsp of salt in step 1.

Ingredients

Olive oil

1 tsp(s)

Onion

1 large, chopped

Garlic

3 clove(s), large, chopped

Canned green chili peppers

4½ oz, diced, drained

Cajun seasoning

2 tbsp(s)

Uncooked 95% lean ground beef

1 pound(s)

Canned tomatoes

28 oz, Italian peeled variety, chopped

Fat free salsa

1 cup(s)

Water

½ cup(s)

Chili powder

¼ cup(s)

Canned kidney beans

30 oz, drained and rinsed

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 6 – 8 minutes. Add the garlic, chiles, and Cajun seasoning; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 8 minutes.
  2. Add the tomatoes with their liquid, the salsa, water, and chili powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the flavors are blended and the chili thickens slightly, about 1 hour. Stir in the beans and cook until heated through.
  3. Serving size: 1 cup