This Chipotle Chili is a warm and hearty dish that packs a smoky punch! Made with tender beans, juicy tomatoes, and zesty chipotle peppers, it’s super satisfying.
Perfect for chilly nights! I like to top mine with cheese and a dollop of sour cream—because who can resist a little extra creaminess, right? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses ground beef for a rich flavor, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a healthier option. Vegan ground meat or lentils can also work if you prefer a plant-based chili.
Kidney Beans: Kidney beans add texture and heartiness. You could replace them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas, depending on what you have on hand.
Chipotle Peppers: These give the chili its distinctive smoky heat! If you want less spice, use just one pepper, or substitute with smoked paprika for some smokiness without the heat.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce are key for a rich base. If fresh tomatoes are available, feel free to chop them up. You could also use crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
Cheese: I like crumbled queso fresco, but shredded cheddar also works great. You can skip cheese entirely for a dairy-free version or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Chili Has Deep Flavor?
Building layers of flavor is essential for a delicious chili. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic on medium heat. This step creates a flavor base that shines through the dish.
- Cook the spices with the meat for 1-2 minutes. This step blooms the spices, helping release their full flavor.
- Simmer the chili uncovered towards the end to allow some liquid to evaporate. This thickens the chili and concentrates the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Don’t be shy about tweaking salt, pepper, or chipotle levels to suit your taste.
Letting the chili sit before serving (if you can!) enhances the flavors even more. Enjoy your hearty Chipotle Chili!
Chipotle Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers can)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 fresh jalapeño, sliced
- Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chipotle Chili will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-40 minutes to cook. In total, plan for about 1 hour from start to finish for a hearty meal that warms your soul!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Base:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This is where your chili starts to develop its wonderful base flavors!
2. Add Garlic and Cook:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until it smells fragrant. This will add a lovely aroma to your dish!
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it to keep the chili from being too greasy.
4. Mix in the Spices:
Now, it’s time to bring the flavor! Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook with the meat for 1-2 minutes to let those spices release their amazing aromas.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, kidney beans, and the beef broth or water. Make sure to mix everything well so all those flavors mingle together.
6. Let It Simmer:
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook gently for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is the time for the flavors to meld beautifully!
7. Taste Test:
After the cooking time, taste your chili. You can adjust seasonings by adding more salt, pepper, or chipotle if you’d like it smokier or spicier.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chili hot in bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion, sliced jalapeño, crumbled cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy this smoky, rich Chipotle Chili that’s perfect for a comforting meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a plant-based dish, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for a delicious vegetarian version.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’d like your chili to be milder, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or omit the cayenne pepper. Conversely, for extra heat, you can add more chipotle peppers or bring in some diced jalapeños!
Can I Make This Chili Ahead of Time?
Yes! Chipotle Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.