Spicy Beef Chili Kidney Beans (Print Version)
A hearty blend of beef, kidney beans, and spices creating a rich, flavorful meal for any occasion.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
07 - 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
08 - 2 (15 ounce each) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 3 tablespoons chili powder
10 - 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
→ Liquids
16 - 1.5 cups beef broth
17 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
→ Optional Toppings
18 - Chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Sour cream
21 - Shredded cheddar cheese
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat a small amount of oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion, red and green bell peppers, jalapeño, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until vegetables soften, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Incorporate chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in tomato paste until evenly distributed. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then add drained kidney beans. Mix thoroughly.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Uncover and continue simmering for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
07 - Taste and adjust salt or spice levels if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings such as cilantro, green onions, sour cream, or cheddar cheese.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This chili hits the perfect balance between spicy and hearty, the kind of secret I’m thrilled to share with friends who love bold flavors.
- It’s super flexible to adapt spice levels or toppings so every time it feels like a new favorite for me and my family.
02 -
- Don’t rush the browning of the beef; it imparts a deep, caramelized flavor that is foundational for the chili.
- Letting the chili rest overnight actually lets the flavors meld and intensify, making leftovers even better than the first serving.
03 -
- Use fresh spices rather than old pre-mixed blends to keep the flavor vibrant and true to the recipe’s intent.
- The secret that makes all the difference is resting the chili after cooking; it lets the flavors marry beautifully.