Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili

Name: Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1-2 jalapeños, deseeded and chopped; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Welcome to a world of rich, deep flavors with our Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili. This dish is perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something hearty and warming with a bit of a kick. It's a unique blend of spices and ingredients that come together to create a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients for Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili

Ground beef forms the hearty base of this chili, providing rich flavor and protein. Onion and garlic are the aromatic foundation essential for depth. Olive oil is used for sautéing, adding a subtle fruitiness. Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste bring acidity and sweetness, creating a rich, thick texture.

Beef broth enhances the beefy flavor while keeping the chili moist. Black beans and kidney beans add texture and additional protein. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce provide a smoky, spicy kick that defines this chili. Cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder are the key spices, offering warmth and complexity.

Salt and pepper season the dish to taste. Bell pepper adds a sweet crunch, while jalapeños bring more heat. Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth, and brown sugar balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

If you like more heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeños or add an extra chipotle pepper.
For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
This chili keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.

Serving Suggestions

This chili is fantastic served with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Pair it with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A side of tortilla chips adds a delightful crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili vegetarian?: Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or add more beans and vegetables.
How can I store leftovers?: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
What if I don't have chipotle peppers?: You can use a dash of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion and garlic and sauté them until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned all over. This step is crucial for building the base flavor of your chili.

Now, stir in the chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. These spices are what make this chili special, so make sure to mix them in well so they coat the beef evenly.

Add in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until the tomato paste is fully dissolved. This is your chili base.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the black beans, kidney beans, bell pepper, and jalapeños. Stir occasionally and let it simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.

Finally, taste your chili and season it with salt and pepper as needed. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning to your liking before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bold, smoky flavors from chipotle peppers and smoked paprika.
Hearty and filling with a mix of beef and beans.
Perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
Simple to make with pantry staples.
Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cups beef broth

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

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

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 bell pepper, chopped

1-2 jalapeños, deseeded and chopped

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp brown sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.

2. Add ground beef to the pot, cook until browned.

3. Stir in chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well.

5. Bring to a simmer, then add black beans, kidney beans, bell pepper, and jalapeños.