Chipotle Chili is a warm and cozy dish that packs a spicy punch! Made with hearty beans, tomatoes, and smoky chipotle peppers, it’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a little kick.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a bowl of chili on a cold night? You can top it with cheese or enjoy it with some crunchy corn chips. It’s quick to make, and leftovers taste even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds a nice flavor while sautéing vegetables. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil instead. Both work well for cooking!
Ground Beef: I love the richness ground beef brings, but you can swap it for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Chipotle Peppers: These provide a smoky, spicy kick. If you can’t find them, try using crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of smoked paprika as alternatives. Just adjust the amount to your spice level.
Beans: Kidney beans are great, but black beans or pinto beans can also work. Feel free to mix different types of beans for added texture and flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness to the dish. If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley or green onions are nice substitutions that will still provide freshness.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Chipotle Chili?
The secret to a flavorful chili is layering the ingredients and spices correctly. Here’s how to maximize flavors:
- Start with a hot pan. Heat olive oil until shimmering before adding onions, garlic, and bell pepper. This helps to sauté them properly.
- Cook the beef thoroughly. Browning the beef adds depth; so don’t rush this step!
- Spice up early on. Mix the spices with the beef for a couple of minutes to enhance their aroma before adding other ingredients.
- Simmer slowly. Allowing the chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Trust me, following these tips will lead to an incredible chipotle chili that your friends and family will love! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Chipotle Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (orange or red), diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sour cream or crumbled queso fresco (for topping)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus 30 to 45 minutes of cooking time. So all in all, you’ll be enjoying this warm and hearty chipotle chili in about an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or cozy gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Cook these until they’re all nice and softened—this should take around 5 minutes. You want those flavors to meld while they sauté.
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add the Spices:
Now it’s time to spice things up! Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), and the chopped chipotle peppers. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll start to smell those wonderful spices wafting through the kitchen!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Next, add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, and beef broth (or water). Stir everything together to combine. This is the heart of your chili coming together!
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Leave it uncovered and let it bubble away for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the chili has thickened up to your liking!
6. Season to Taste:
Before serving, taste your chili and add salt and black pepper as needed. Adjust to your preference for that perfect balance of flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your hot chipotle chili into bowls. Top each serving with sour cream or crumbled queso fresco, shredded cheddar cheese, freshly chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeño peppers for that fresh and spicy kick. It’s also delicious when paired with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Chipotle Chili! It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing or just enjoying by yourself. Don’t forget to save some for later—leftovers make a great lunch!
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or even cook up some lentils for a hearty texture. Just make sure to choose a vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the best flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! To make it milder, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use just one chipotle pepper. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more chipotle peppers or even some diced fresh jalapeños while cooking.
What Should I Serve with Chipotle Chili?
This chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it over rice for a complete meal!