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Pinto Bean Chili

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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
  1. 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

  1. Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 inches.
  2. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
  4. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid.

Step 2: Cook the Chili

  1. In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and celery over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in the flour until blended. Gradually stir in water.
  3. Add the beans, chili powder, cumin, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until beans are tender.
  5. Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, and salt. Heat through, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Make the Quesadillas

  1. Spread about 1 tablespoon of green chiles on half of each tortilla. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese and fold in half.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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