Spicy Beef Chili Kidney Beans (Printable Version)
Hearty, spicy beef paired with kidney beans and rich spices for a comforting meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef, 80-85% lean
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
07 - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
08 - 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Liquids
09 - 1 cup beef broth
10 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 2 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
15 - 1 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Oils
18 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
# Directions:
01 - Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño to the pot. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
05 - Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
06 - Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir until well combined.
07 - Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The depth of flavor comes from blooming spices in the beef fat, a technique I learned from a line cook at a diner who made the best chili I have ever tasted
- Leftovers develop this incredible richness overnight, so I always make extra even when cooking for just myself
- The recipe is forgiving enough that you can customize the heat level without ruining the balance
02 -
- I once skipped draining the beef fat thinking it would add flavor, but ended up with an unappetizing oil slick on top that I had to skim off with a spoon
- The spices need time to meld with the other ingredients, so do not be tempted to skip the simmering step even if you are hungry
03 -
- A splash of apple cider vinegar or coffee added during the last 10 minutes of cooking brightens all the other flavors in ways I cannot explain but you will taste
- Grating a small square of dark chocolate into the simmering pot creates this rich undertone that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is