Dinosaur Chili

Submitted by FLKeysJen

"Some types of dinosaurs eat plants (zucchini), others eat meat (beef) and the not-yet-discovered Mole dinosaurs prefer chocolate! A fast, affordable one pot meal for kids of all ages. You can use any canned pasta for kids (Spaghetti-O or other shapes) to make it fun; shown in my photo are Annie's Organics All-Stars."

 

• Ready In: 25mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup purple onion, diced
• 1 cup zucchini, diced (peel it for picky eaters)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 1⁄4 ounces taco seasoning
• 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 (15 ounce) can pasta (Chef Boyardee Mini Dinosaurs)
• cheddar cheese (optional topping)

directions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat; add the chocolate chips and stir constantly until they melt. Add the onion and keep stirring - it will bubble and smell delicious as it caramelizes. Add the zucchini and keep stirring from time to time for 2-3 more minutes, until the veggies are cooked.
2. Add the meat and taco seasoning. Stir together and cook for five minutes or so, until the meat appears cooked.
3. Add the kidney beans, tomato paste, 1/2 cup water, cumin and full contents of the mini dinosaur can. Stir everything together.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 10 minutes.
5. Serve in bowls, topping with cheddar cheese if desired!

Reviews

[nochlo]

Made for PRMR!! Very unique and interesting recipe, and we enjoyed! Don't be intimidated by the ingredients!!!

 

[Chef1MOM-Connie]

Well who'd a thunk it? This is great! Who knew chocolate and kidney beans and chef boy ardee worked so well together? NOT ME! I cut the recipe in half as there are 2 of us and because I really was unsure of this. I did not use the dinosaurs but did have a can of spaghettio's left from babysitter nephew snacks. Well this was rich, thick, and quite flavorful. I KNOW it was the chocolate. LOL I liked that it went together so quick as opposed to the chili on the kettle all day type. Really worked out well for me and I will save this to my quick and easy cookbook. Thank you chef and good luck. Dining on a $ Contest 2011