This Chipotle Chili is a warm and cozy dish packed with flavor! It’s made with hearty beans, ground meat, and a smoky kick from chipotle peppers that make it extra special.
You can enjoy this chili with some bread or over rice. Trust me, it’s a perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening, and leftovers are just as good, if not better! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chipotle Peppers: These add wonderful smokiness. If you can’t find them, try using smoked paprika for a different flavor. Just remember, it will be less spicy, so adjust to your taste.
Ground Beef: I often use ground turkey for a lighter option. You can also go for plant-based meat for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust seasonings as necessary!
Beans: Kidney beans offer great texture. You can swap them for black beans or pinto beans based on preference. Canned beans are convenient, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can cook dried beans ahead of time.
Beef Broth: This enhances flavor, but vegetable broth works well too if you’re looking to keep it vegetarian. If you’re short on broth, water is fine, but the chili will be less rich.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor with Simmering?
Simmering is key for developing deep flavors in chili. It allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully. Here’s how to nail this step:
- Bring your chili to a gentle boil first, then reduce it to low heat. That keeps the flavors from evaporating.
- Partially cover the pot with a lid to help steam escape while preventing splatters. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Let it simmer slowly for at least 25-30 minutes. Longer is even better if you can wait!
Always taste your chili before serving. Adjust spices, chili powder, or salt based on your personal preference. Happy cooking!
Chipotle Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (for garnish)
- Crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese (optional topping)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chipotle Chili takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, for a total of about 45 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not smoke!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This will create a flavorful base for your chili.
3. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and crumbly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Chipotle and Spices:
Mix in the minced chipotle peppers, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to toast those spices and bring out their flavors.
6. Combine Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together so it’s well combined.
7. Add the Beans:
Gently fold in the drained kidney beans, then bring the mixture to a simmer. You’ll see bubbles forming on the surface as it heats.
8. Simmer the Chili:
Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully!
9. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasonings if needed. More salt or spice might be just what it needs!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your chili hot in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeño, and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco if you’d like. Don’t forget the lime wedges for a zesty finish!
Enjoy your smoky, hearty Chipotle Chili! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bean?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different twist. Just make sure to drain and rinse any canned beans before adding them to the chili.
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make the chili vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a rich flavor without the meat.
What Should I Serve With Chipotle Chili?
This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or even tortilla chips. You can also serve it with a side salad for some freshness. Feel free to top it with avocado, fresh salsa, or sour cream for added flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to loosen the chili.
