This Hearty Breakfast Chili is a warm and filling dish that features beans, tomatoes, and spices, topped with delicious eggs. Perfect for kickstarting your day!
What’s better than chili for breakfast? I love how it warms me up, and the eggs on top add a cozy touch. Enjoy it with some toast, and you’re ready to tackle the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing and adds healthy fats. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or any oil with a high smoke point, like canola oil.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These give sweetness and depth. I often choose yellow onions and red bell peppers for their flavors. You can swap for shallots or even leeks if that’s what you have handy.
Ground Breakfast Sausage or Ground Beef: This adds heartiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian version, you could use crumbled tofu or a meat substitute like lentils.
Canned Beans: Black and kidney beans are classic here. If you prefer, swap them for pinto or even chickpeas. I find using a mix adds a fun texture!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This gives a nice flavor kick. If you like it spicier, you might choose jalapeño tomatoes. Regular diced tomatoes work fine if you want to keep it mild.
Spices: The cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika bring warmth. You can play with these based on your taste; if you want a different flavor, try taco seasoning as an alternative.
How Do You Cook Perfectly Poached Eggs in Chili?
Cooking eggs in the chili creates a lovely dish. It can be tricky to get them just right, but here’s how to do it easily:
- First, simmer the chili to develop deep flavors.
- Make wells in the chili with a spoon—there should be enough space for the eggs.
- Crack each egg directly into the well. If you worry about shells, crack them in a bowl first.
- Cover the pan to help the eggs cook evenly. Check after about 5-7 minutes; the whites should be set, but keep the yolks runny unless you want them firm.
- If needed, cook longer until you reach your desired doneness.
Trying different cooking times will help you find that perfect egg for your taste! Enjoy your meal!
Hearty Breakfast Chili with Eggs
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage or ground beef (optional for more heartiness)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Hot sauce or salsa, for serving
- Tortilla chips or toasted bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes to cook. Total time is about 40 minutes, so you’ll have a warm, satisfying breakfast ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant.
2. Add Garlic and Meat:
Next, throw in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it smells delicious. If you’re using sausage or beef, add it now. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Mix in Beans and Tomatoes:
Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine everything together.
4. Season the Chili:
Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it another good stir to ensure all the spices are well distributed.
5. Simmer the Chili:
Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
6. Add the Eggs:
Now it’s time to make wells in the chili with a spoon and carefully crack one egg into each well. Cover the pan and let them cook on low heat until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 5-7 minutes. If you like firmer yolks, simply let them cook a bit longer.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chili and eggs, cover the pan again, and let it sit for a minute until the cheese melts.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish with some fresh cilantro or chopped green onions. Serve your Hearty Breakfast Chili immediately with hot sauce or salsa on the side, along with tortilla chips or toasted bread to make it even more delicious!
Enjoy your flavorful and filling Hearty Breakfast Chili with Eggs!
FAQ: Hearty Breakfast Chili with Eggs
Can I Use Different Beans in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the black and kidney beans with pinto beans, chickpeas, or any other beans you prefer. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding!
What If I Don’t Have Ground Meat?
No problem! You can easily skip the meat for a vegetarian option. Consider adding more beans or vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor!
Can I Make This Chili Ahead of Time?
Yes! This chili can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove, and before serving, add the eggs and cheese for that fresh breakfast touch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating!
