Spicy Beef Chili Kidney Beans (Printable)
Hearty chili blending beef, kidney beans, peppers, and spices for a rich, warming meal.
# What You Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1½ lbs ground beef, 80/20 blend preferred
→ 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 - 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
→ Beans
07 - 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Tomatoes & Liquids
08 - 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1 cup beef broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - ½ tsp ground cayenne pepper
15 - 1 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1½ tsp salt
17 - ½ tsp black pepper
18 - 1 tsp sugar
→ Optional Garnishes
19 - Chopped fresh cilantro
20 - Sour cream
21 - Shredded cheddar cheese
22 - Sliced green onions
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned throughout, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if desired.
02 - Add diced onion, bell peppers, jalapeños, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
04 - Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef broth. Stir thoroughly to combine and dissolve tomato paste into the liquid.
05 - Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
06 - Stir in drained kidney beans. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili reaches desired consistency.
07 - Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat level as needed. Serve hot garnished with cilantro, sour cream, cheddar cheese, or green onions if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The house fills with the most incredible aroma that somehow makes everything feel right
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, which is basically a gift to your future self
02 -
- The chili needs at least the full simmer time for the flavors to come together so do not rush it
- Letting it rest for ten minutes off the heat before serving makes a huge difference in flavor
03 -
- Taste your chili powder first since brands vary wildly in heat and salt content
- If the chili is too spicy add a splash of cream or more beans to mellow it