Description
Warm, hearty Pinto Bean Chili paired with cheesy, crispy Chili Cheese Quesadillas. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
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For the Pinto Bean Chili:
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
For the Chili Cheese Quesadillas:
- 2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
- 12 flour tortillas (6 inches)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 teaspoons canola oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
- Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid.
Step 2: Cook the Chili
- In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and celery over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the flour until blended. Gradually stir in water.
- Add the beans, chili powder, cumin, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until beans are tender.
- Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, and salt. Heat through, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Make the Quesadillas
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of green chiles on half of each tortilla. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese and fold in half.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook each tortilla until lightly browned on both sides, adding more oil as needed.
- Cut each quesadilla in half and serve alongside the chili.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time.
- For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- Quesadillas can be customized with other cheeses or toppings like diced tomatoes or fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl of chili + 2 quesadilla halves
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg