This mediterranean chili recipe with a twist is one of my go-to soup recipes for when the weather is getting a little colder. It is made using classic Mediterranean ingredients and spices to give your old chili recipe a new makeover.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by BUSH’S® Chili Beans. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Lifestyle of a foodie possible.
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Here we go again!
The temperatures are falling and we’re ready for some hearty, warming, and delicious chili recipes. I guess it really hasn’t been cooling down that much here in Las Vegas, but I like to follow the seasons so I’m making all the fall soup and chili recipes.
There is just something about making warm soups and chilis during fall that makes my heart smile. Now I know that you don’t think meatballs belong in chili but hear me out… These meatballs are minis so perfect to have with a bite full of beans and avocados. They’re also seasoned to perfection with all of the Algerian spices that I love the most and even have some roasted red bell peppers mixed in there.
This is the best Mediterranean chili recipe! Full of spices, fresh herbs and plump beans.
Sure it requires a little bit of extra work to make the meatballs but personally I love them because they add an awesome textural element to the whole chili recipe. Plus, you can just make this recipe on the weekend while the game is on and serve it right away and watch everyone’s face light up when they try this amazing chili.
What’s so special about this chili?
When it comes to chili, this Mediterranean chili really hits the spot, it’s just perfect.
- It is healthy and super filling.
- This recipe is an easy meal prep recipe to prepare for the week.
- It is high in protein, both plant-based protein from the beans as well as animal protein.
- It is packed with all the Mediterranean flavors, while still holding true to a traditional chili… Best of both worlds.
Mediterranean chili ingredients
To make this flavorful chili recipe, here is what you will need:
- Ground beef- I use 85% lean ground beef for this recipe. But any type will work for this recipe.
- Carrots, celery, onions, garlic, green bell peppers- Any great soup/chili recipe should start with these! They give it so much depth of flavor.
- Tomatoes- I use a large can of diced tomatoes in juice. But you can also chop up your own. I just like to go with something a little easier for a quick and easy dinner recipe.
- Tomato paste- The tomato paste will accentuate the overall tomato flavor of this chili recipe.
- BUSH’S® Mild Pinto Chili Beans- I used two 16oz cans of BUSH’S Mild Pinto Chili Beans in this recipe. The coolest part is that it already has a little chili seasoning in it so it makes the chili even better. These beans themselves are vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free!
- Roasted red bell peppers- This is another fun Mediterranean twist. I remember always eating all the roasted red bell peppers when I lived in Algeria next to my grandma’s house.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, ras el hanout, cumin, paprika, bay leaves – These are the spices that you will need to make your Mediterranean inspired chili recipe.
Do I need to drain my beans for this chili recipe?
No. Because the BUSH’S Chili Beans that we are using come in a mild chili sauce, seasoned with garlic, cumin, and chili peppers. The liquid that the beans are in, in fact tastes like a chili sauce that has been cooked and simmered for hours. That is why you should not rinse or drain these beans.
Where did I get my ingredients from?
I got all of my ingredients from Albertsons. To make my life easier, I made sure to use the Albertsons’ mobile app. I created a shopping list to make sure that I don’t forget anything and clipped a few coupons to take advantage of a few deals they had this week. The staff at my local Albertsons is always so nice so it definitely makes the grocery shopping trip a pleasure every time.
Click here to find your nearest Albertsons. I strongly encourage you to download the app as well to find their weekly coupons, collect reward points that you can use to get free stuff, and even receive very special freebies from time to time. Can’t beat that 🙂
How to make mediterranean chili?
First start by making the meatballs:
Add in the ground beef, cumin, pepper, garlic powder, ras el hanout, egg, bread crumbs, and the roasted red bell peppers to a medium bowl and mix using your hands. Using a teaspoon, scoop out some of the ground beef mixture and roll it between the palm of your hands. Place the meatballs on a plate and set aside.
Now moving on to the chili part:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the onions, carrots, celery, green bell pepper, and garlic and cook until soft. Make sure to stir frequently.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking the meat up into smaller chunks, for 5-6 minutes, or until no longer pink. Add in the ras el hanout, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir then add the diced tomato, BUSH’S Mild Pinto Chili Beans, tomato paste, water and bay leaves .
Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to medium-low then add the meatballs. After 5 minutes, give it a good stir then let it simmer for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste the chili and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the chili in bowls and top with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, and radishes.
Do I have to make meatballs?
You don’t have to make the meatballs but they’re a great addition. Meatballs are something that we make often in Algeria, it adds a nice look to the whole dish and adds an awesome textural element to every bite too!
Mediterranean chili topping ideas
- Sour cream of greek yogurt
- Avocados
- Jalapeños
- Green onions
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Sliced radishes
- Shredded lettuce
- Crushed tortilla chips
Mediterranean chili recipe
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Mediterranean inspired chili recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium brown onion chopped
- 1 & ½ cup carrots diced
- 1 & ½ cup celery diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper diced
- 4 large garlic cloves minced
- ½ lbs ground beef
- 2 teaspoon Ras el hanout
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 28 oz Diced tomato in juice
- 2 16 oz BUSH’S® pinto beans in mild chili sauce
- 1 cup roasted red bell peppers chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 2 large bay leaves
For the meatballs
- ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ras el hanout
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tablespoon bread crumbs
- ¼ cup roasted red bell peppers chopped
Instructions
Making the beatballs.
- Add in the ground beef, cumin, pepper, garlic powder, ras el hanout, egg, bread crumbs, and the roasted red bell peppers to a medium bowl and mix using your hands. Using a teaspoon, scoop out some of the ground beef mixture and roll it between the palm of your hands. Place the meatballs on a plate and set aside.
Making the chili
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the onions, carrots, celery, green bell pepper, and garlic and cook until soft. Make sure to stir frequently.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking the meat up into smaller chunks, for 5-6 minutes, or until no longer pink. Add in the ras el hanout, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir then add the diced tomato, Bush's beans, tomato paste, water and bay leaves .
- Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to medium-low then add the meatballs. After 5 minutes, give it a good stir then let it simmer for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste the chili and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the chili in bowls and top with fresh cilantro, jalapenos, sour cream, and radishes.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option skip the ground beef.
Nutrition
Thank you so much for making it all the way down here! If you enjoyed this recipe make sure to let us know in the comments down below.
Randy
Hello!
I’m sure this was left more than enough times before me, but when do I add the 1 cup roasted red bell peppers? Thank you for this beautiful recipe!
Chahinez
Hi, you add it the first step under “Making the beatballs” in the recipe card with the ground beef, cumin, pepper, garlic powder, ras el hanout, egg, and bread crumbs 😌