Secret Chili Restaurant Recipe - Three Bean Enchilada Chili

Three Bean Enchilada Chili - three times the flavor plus secret ingredients that makes this a secret chili restaurant recipe!

This chili restaurant recipe is a secret restaurant recipe because it specifically calls for Ancho chile powder, and it does make a difference. And this chili recipe is also somewhat unusual because it uses a secret restaurant enchilada sauce instead of tomatoes!

The Ancho is a dried poblano chile which is then ground into powder. Ancho chiles have a mild, fruity and slightly sweet taste. They start out as fresh green poblano chiles and after being ripened to red and then dried, they become shriveled, smoky and dark brown in color. Left to dry, the chiles can be crushed and made into spice powder or used to season chili and other Mexican dishes such as mole and tacos.

I created this recipe at home, tested it on my husband and then tried it at my restaurant after my husband raved about it and encouraged me to do so. My restaurant customers were pleased he asked me to do so. It is now a favorite restaurant chili recipe.

Three Bean Enchilada Chili RecipeChili Restaurant Recipe Preparation time: 30 minutes for preparing the sauce. Serves 6-8.

Ingredients:1-2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil2 pounds lean ground beef, ground chuck or other meat such as chopped chuck steak or even chicken or pork1 cup onions, chopped1 cup red, green or yellow bell pepper, chopped8 cups of my enchilada sauce (recipe below)One 15-16 ounce can of pinto beans, rinsed and drainedOne 15-16 ounce can red or kidney beans, rinsed and drainedOne 15-16 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained1 tablespoon Ancho chile powder (use Ancho - it makes a difference and makes this a secret restaurant recipe)1/4 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste1 cup (or to taste) Cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded1/2 cup (or to taste) Green onions, chopped

Instructions:Heat oil in a 3-4 quart soup pot over medium-high heat, add meat and cook until beginning to brownAdd the onions and peppers and cook until crisp-tender (4-5 minutes), stirring occasionallyDrain meat mixture, add my enchilada sauce, beans and spices and bring to boilReduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes or until meat is tender (if using chopped meat) and flavors are blendedCorrect seasoning to your tasteLadle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese and green onions and tortilla chips if you like

Serve with cornbread or warm tortillas and enjoy!

Enchilada Sauce Preparation time: 30 minutes. Serves 6-8.

Ingredients:3 tablespoons vegetable oil, olive oil or bacon drippings2-3 cloves of garlic, minced3 tablespoons flour1 teaspoon ground oregano2 tablespoons chile powder (Ancho chile powder, if you have it)1 tablespoon tomato paste (I sometimes use taco sauce)1 teaspoon salt, or to taste1/2 teaspoon white pepper1/4 teaspoon cayenne, optional4 cups beef stock

Instructions:Heat oil or bacon drippings in a skillet over low heat and saute the garlic, flour and oregano until golden in colorAdd chile powder, 1 cup of beef stock, tomato paste and simmer for 2-3 minutesAdd remaining stock, salt, white pepper and cayenneSimmer for 20-30 minutesCorrect seasoning

TA-DA! You're done!

Enjoy your Three Bean Enchilada Chili made with this delicious enchilada sauce and the company of those you share it with.