Recipe Alert: Colorado One-Pot Wonders

The cold is settling in this week in Colorado. The low temps always put us in the mood for a warm, hearty meal that’s simple to make and packed with comforting flavors. One-pot dishes are the ultimate winter saviors, bold, satisfying, and with minimal cleanup. Here are five Colorado-inspired one-pot recipes to keep you cozy this week!

1. Rocky Mountain Chili

This hearty chili is packed with smoky spices, tender beef, and hearty beans—a Colorado classic perfect for cold nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or bison

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened.

3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, broth, and spices.

4. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

2. Colorado Green Chile Stew

Celebrate Colorado’s love for Hatch green chiles with this flavorful, slightly spicy stew.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, cubed

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped (or 2 cups canned green chiles)

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a large pot and brown the pork on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.

3. Return pork to the pot and add green chiles, potatoes, broth, cumin, and oregano.

4. Simmer for 1 hour or until pork is tender.

5. Serve with warm tortillas.

3. Mountain Mushroom Risotto

This creamy risotto highlights the earthy flavors of Colorado’s wild mushrooms.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 2 cups wild mushrooms, sliced

• 1 cup Arborio rice

• 1/2 cup white wine

• 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil and butter in a large pan. Sauté onion until translucent.

2. Add mushrooms and cook until softened.

3. Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add wine and stir until absorbed.

4. Gradually add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring until liquid is absorbed before adding more.

5. Once rice is creamy and tender, stir in Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Elk Stroganoff

Put a Colorado twist on this classic dish by using flavorful ground elk.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground elk

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced

• 1 tbsp flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 8 oz egg noodles, cooked

• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a large pot, brown ground elk and set aside.

2. Add butter, onion, and mushrooms, cooking until softened.

3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute.

4. Gradually stir in beef broth and bring to a simmer.

5. Return elk to the pot, stir in sour cream and mustard, and cook until heated through.

6. Toss with egg noodles and garnish with parsley.

5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

This vegetarian-friendly chili is hearty, smoky, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 cup vegetable broth

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: avocado, cilantro, and lime for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

2. Add sweet potatoes and bell pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes.

3. Stir in beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices.

4. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.

5. Serve with avocado slices, cilantro, and lime.

These Colorado-inspired one-pot recipes are perfect for winter. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, they’re ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or hosting a crowd. So grab your pot, pick a recipe, and let the warmth of these dishes fill your home! Be sure to share your dishes on social media with the hashtag #chefaarikaeats. We love to see your creations!