TEXAS INSPIRED GUT-FRIENDLY CHILI RECIPE

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a feel-good take on a classic bowl of Texas chili 🤠 It’s rich, smoky, hearty, and packed with quality protein, colourful veg, fiber-rich beans and warming spices that support digestion and stable energy. All the bold flavour you want, with ingredients that leave you feeling nourished instead of sluggish. Think: big flavour, cosy nights, and leftovers worth getting excited about.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

-  500g / 1.1 lb grass-fed beef mince (or turkey mince)
-  1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
-  1 yellow onion, finely diced
-  3 garlic cloves, minced
-  1 zucchini, diced
-  1 red bell pepper, diced
-  1 carrot, grated or finely diced
-  1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
-  2 tbsp tomato paste
-  1 cup bone broth or water
-  1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
-  1 tsp ground cumin
-  1 tsp smoked paprika
-  1 tsp oregano
-  1/2 tsp cinnamon
-  1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
-  1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional toppings: avocado/chilli flakes/cilantro
Optional: cauliflower rice or roasted sweet potato to use as a base

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
3. Add the beef mince and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through.
4. Add the zucchini, bell pepper, carrot and drained beans. Stir through and cook for another 4–5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well so everything is coated in the spices. Let it cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavour.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and bone broth. Stir until everything is well combined.
7. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rich, thick, and full of flavour.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with fresh herbs and avocado on top.

Notes:
-  For a more Texas-style smoky kick, add extra smoked paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder.
-  If your digestion is sensitive, keep the spice gentle and skip extra chili.
-  This gets even better the next day, so make enough for leftovers.
-  Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted sweet potato for a more filling meal.