Spicy Beef Chili Kidney Beans (Printable version)
Bold flavors of beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and spices come together for a comforting dish.
# List of ingredients:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
→ Beans
06 - 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Tomatoes & Liquids
07 - 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
08 - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
09 - 1 cup beef broth or water
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
15 - 1 tsp salt, or to taste
16 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
# Directions:
01 - Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
03 - Incorporate chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook while stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Stir in kidney beans and simmer uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until the chili thickens to desired consistency.
07 - Taste the chili and add more salt or spices if needed. Serve hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, or sliced green onions.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This chili is packed with bold flavors that feel like a comforting secret shared just between friends
- The tender beef and kidney beans combo makes it both hearty and satisfying, perfect for cozy dinners
02 -
- Don’t rush browning the beef; this step is key to developing deep flavor
- Deglazing the pan with liquids ensures those tasty browned bits make their way into every bite
03 -
- Use fresh spices for the best aroma and avoid overpowering the dish by adding cayenne gradually
- letting the chili rest after cooking lets the flavors marry and improves texture