Best 7 Zesty Colorado Chili Recipes

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When it comes to enjoying a hearty and flavorful meal, there's nothing quite like a zesty Colorado chili. This classic dish, with its origins in the American Southwest, has captured the hearts of chili lovers everywhere. Made with a combination of beef, pork, and a variety of spices, Colorado chili is known for its distinctive red color and smoky flavor. Whether you're cooking for a casual get-together or a special occasion, finding the perfect recipe for a zesty Colorado chili can be a daunting task. To help you out, we've compiled a list of our top picks for the best Colorado chili recipes. From traditional takes on the classic dish to unique and modern interpretations, our selection offers something for every palate.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CHILI COLORADO - RECIPE



Chili Colorado - Recipe image

Chili Colorado is a traditional Mexican recipe of pork or beef stewed nice and slow in a rich red chili sauce, hence the name "colorado", which means "colored red", not from the state of Colorado.

Provided by Mike Hultquist

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 ancho chili peppers (stemmed and seeded)
6 guajillo peppers (stemmed and seeded)
3 chiles de arbol (stemmed and seeded)
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (chopped)
2 jalapeno peppers (chopped (optional - I like the extra heat and flavor))
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
2 pounds beef chuck roast (cubed (1/2 cubes))
¼ cup flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups beef stock (chicken or vegetable stock are good, too)

Steps:

  • Make the sauce first by dry toasting the dried peppers in pan about a minute per side, until the skins blister a bit.
  • Set them into a bowl and cover with hot water for 20 minutes, until they are very soft.
  • Transfer the peppers to a blender with oregano, cumin, a bit of salt and pepper, and 1 cup of the soaking water. Blend until nice and smooth.
  • Strain the sauce and set aside.
  • Heat a large pot to medium heat and add the olive oil.
  • Add the onion and peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Toss the cubed chuck roast in the flour with a bit of salt and pepper to coat them.
  • Add the garlic and coated beef to the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5 minutes or so.
  • Add the red sauce and stock and bring to a quick boil.
  • Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop. Longer is better.
  • If you'd like to thicken the chili, remove the cover and increase the heat. Cook until the moisture cooks out and your preferred thickness is achieved.
  • Serve!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 344 kcal, Carbohydrate 25 g, Protein 26 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 78 mg, Sodium 238 mg, Fiber 8 g, Sugar 13 g, ServingSize 1 serving

ZESTY COLORADO CHILI



Zesty Colorado Chili image

Chili is a hearty winter staple up here in the mountains-especially for outdoor lovers like the two of us! -Beverly Bowman, Conifer, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h55m

Yield 12-14 servings (3-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 pound Italian sausage links
1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (1 pound)
2 pounds ground beef
2 medium onions, chopped
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 can (29 ounces) tomato puree
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup beef broth
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Steps:

  • Cut sausage into 1/2-in. pieces. Trim pork and cut into 1/2-in. pieces. , In a 5-qt. kettle or Dutch oven, cook sausage, pork and beef over medium heat, until sausage and beef are no longer pink and the pork juices run clear; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Set meat aside. , Saute onions, green pepper and garlic in reserved drippings until tender. Add the next 12 ingredients. Return meat to the pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. Add the beans and heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 272 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 410mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

ZESTY CHICKEN CHILI



Zesty Chicken Chili image

This delicious chili features chicken, vegetables and Progresso® beans - a zesty dinner.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 poblano chiles, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium sweet onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans (14.5 oz each) zesty chili-style diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups shredded or chopped smoked chicken (about 1 lb)
1 can (15 oz) navy beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can or bottle (12 oz) beer
1 package (1.25 oz) white chicken chili seasoning mix
Lime wedges
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sour cream

Steps:

  • In 4- to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chiles, bell pepper, onion and garlic; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
  • Stir in remaining chili ingredients. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with desired toppings.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290, Carbohydrate 33 g, Fat 1/2, Fiber 8 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 930 mg

COLORADO BUFFALO CHILI



Colorado Buffalo Chili image

This spicy chili recipe uses ground buffalo. To step up the heat, use different peppers and experiment with the seasonings. This gets even better if you let it sit overnight. The chili is so good you'll need to find another way to use up your cheese and crackers.

Provided by Cornpop

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes

Time 8h40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound ground buffalo
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 (10.75 ounce) can tomato soup
1 (14.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can chili beans, drained
½ medium onion, chopped
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1 Anaheim chile pepper, chopped
1 poblano chile pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Brown the buffalo in a skillet over medium heat; season with 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste. Drain excess grease.
  • Combine the buffalo, tomatoes with green chiles, tomato soup, kidney beans, chili beans, onion, garlic, Anaheim chile pepper, poblano chile pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low overnight or 8 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 218.8 calories, Carbohydrate 29.8 g, Cholesterol 39 mg, Fat 2.8 g, Fiber 9.9 g, Protein 22.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 725.5 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

ZESTY CHILI



Zesty Chili image

My mom gave me a little booklet that came with her "None Such Mincemeat" with a few recipes in it. This one sounded interesting and the picture looks yummy...

Provided by senseicheryl

Categories     Beans

Time 50m

Yield 6 1 cup servings, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb ground beef
3/4 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained, rinsed
1/3 cup mincemeat, 1/2 of a 27 ounce jar of NONE SUCH Ready-to-Use Mincemeat
1/2 cup water

Steps:

  • In large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain beef and return to the skillet.
  • Add the onions, peppers, garlic, chili powder and salt; cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add tomatoes, beans, mincemeat and water; simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 312, Fat 12.6, SaturatedFat 4.6, Cholesterol 51.4, Sodium 841.1, Carbohydrate 31.8, Fiber 6, Sugar 13.9, Protein 19.2

CHILI COLORADO (THE REAL THING, LOL NO WIMPS NEED APPLY!)



Chili Colorado (The Real Thing, Lol No Wimps Need Apply!) image

A totally delicious Chili Colorado that is so easy to make and with wonderful acclaim. It includes some exellent short cuts! This is spicy, rich and lip searing, but you go back for more If you can't find pico de gallo pre-made: 2 tomatoes chopped. 1 large white onion chopped. 1 chili serrano chopped. 1 jalapeno chopped. 1/2 bunch of cilantro chopped. juice of 2 limes.

Provided by davinandkennard

Categories     Mexican

Time 2h45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 lbs cubed beef, dusted with
flour
6 tablespoons olive oil (lard is more traditional)
6 garlic cloves, minced (or the ready chopped in a jar)
1 1/2 teaspoons Mexican oregano
2 (1 lb) containers pico de gallo
56 ounces red chili sauce (Las Palmas Medium)
28 ounces enchilada sauce (Las Palmas)
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Brown the floured beef cubes in the oil. Adding more oil as necessary. Place in an large oven safe casserole.
  • Mix in the garlic, oregano, and pico de gallo.
  • Cover with the red chili and enchiladas sauces.
  • Taste for seasoning.
  • Bring to a boil on the stove.
  • Place in a pre-heated 425 degree oven cook until the sauce is reduced by half or until tender.
  • Serve with rice.

CHILI COLORADO



Chili Colorado image

This is a rich, mild chili and pork stew. It is one of my favorite things, which I like to eat from a bowl with plenty of saltine crackers and a salad on the side. It's also good served over rice or chili beans.

Provided by Ron Shepherd

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes     Pork Chili Recipes

Time 1h55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ pounds boneless pork, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 tablespoon bacon drippings, or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¼ cup chopped onion
1 (4 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups water

Steps:

  • Place 3 tablespoons flour in a plastic bag. Add pork and shake to lightly coat with flour. Set aside.
  • Heat bacon drippings and vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add pork and cook until meat is evenly browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon flour, and cook 3 minutes. Stir in the onion, tomato sauce, chile powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and simmer until pork is just falling apart, about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 451.7 calories, Carbohydrate 11.1 g, Cholesterol 101.8 mg, Fat 29.6 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 34.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 262.9 mg, Sugar 2 g

Tips:

  • Use a variety of beans. This will add different flavors and textures to your chili. Common beans used in Colorado chili include pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of meat. While ground beef is the traditional choice, you can also use ground turkey, pork, or even lamb. You can also use a combination of meats.
  • Use a good quality chili powder. This is the key ingredient in Colorado chili, so make sure you use a good one. Look for a chili powder that is made with a variety of different chiles, and that has a deep, rich flavor.
  • Don't overcook the chili. Chili is a dish that is meant to be simmered for a long time, but you don't want to overcook it. Overcooked chili will lose its flavor and texture.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings. Colorado chili is traditionally served with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions. However, you can also serve it with other toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, or jalapeños.

Conclusion:

Colorado chili is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a very versatile dish, so you can easily customize it to your own taste. Experiment with different ingredients and toppings to find the perfect combination for you.

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