Chili Con Carne with Sweet Potato and Chipotle (Creative Twist)

This Chili Con Carne recipe beautifully marries traditional flavors with a creative twist by incorporating sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness and chipotle for a smoky kick. The combination of ground beef, beans, and spices creates a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening. This recipe is balanced and wholesome, making it a great choice for family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Stir in the diced sweet potato, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
5. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and minced chipotle peppers. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.