Delve into the world of comfort food with our Bubble Up Chili Bake – a hearty, family-friendly casserole that combines the rich flavors of chili with the satisfying appeal of a cheesy, biscuit-topped bake. In this extended blog post, we’ll explore the art of creating this mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even potlucks.
Discover the secrets of crafting the perfect chili, choosing the right biscuits, and mastering the baking process. We’ll also provide keto and low-carb variations for those with specific dietary needs. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Casserole:
- 1 can (16.3 ounces) refrigerated biscuits
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sour cream
For Keto and Low-Carb Variations:
- Use ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner meat option.
- Replace the kidney and black beans with diced zucchini, bell peppers, and cauliflower for a low-carb version.
- Choose almond flour or coconut flour biscuits or opt for a keto-friendly biscuit recipe.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chili
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onions, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer the chili for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the prepared chili to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cut the refrigerated biscuits into halves and arrange them on top of the chili.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the biscuits, covering them generously.
Step 3: Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once done, remove the Bubble Up Chili Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with optional toppings like sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve your Bubble Up Chili Bake hot, and watch as the cheesy biscuits disappear quickly.
Cook Notes
- Biscuit Selection: Choose refrigerated biscuits that you enjoy; options include buttermilk, flaky, or even whole wheat biscuits. Each offers a slightly different texture to your casserole.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by modifying the amount of chili powder or adding crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Create a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chili a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and assemble the casserole just before baking.
Variations
1. Vegetarian Bubble Up Chili Bake
For a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or a meatless ground option. Add extra vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost the flavors and textures.
2. Spicy Sausage Bubble Up Chili Bake
Add a kick of heat by using spicy sausage instead of ground beef in the chili. The sausage’s bold flavors complement the cheesy biscuits wonderfully.
Keto and Low-Carb Variations
- Leaner Meat: Opt for ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lower-fat and lower-calorie version.
- Low-Carb Biscuits: Use almond flour or coconut flour biscuits, or try your hand at a homemade keto-friendly biscuit recipe.
- Vegetable Substitutes: To keep the dish low-carb, replace the kidney and black beans with diced zucchini, bell peppers, and cauliflower. This reduces the carb content while maintaining the heartiness of the casserole.
In conclusion, Bubble Up Chili Bake is the epitome of comfort food that brings families together with its rich, flavorful chili and gooey, cheesy biscuits. By following this extended guide, you’ve learned how to create this delightful dish and customize it to meet various dietary needs, including keto and low-carb options.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and prepare to enjoy a delicious meal that combines the best of chili and cheesy biscuits. Whether you’re serving a crowd at a gathering or treating your family to a weeknight dinner, Bubble Up Chili Bake is sure to delight taste buds and warm hearts.
