Spicy Beef Chili Kidney Beans (Printable Version)
A hearty dish featuring tender beef, kidney beans, and bold spices for a satisfying meal.
# What You Need:
→ 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 - 1 (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
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, approximately 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño to the pot. Sauté until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat meat and vegetables evenly.
05 - Mix in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to develop flavor.
06 - Pour in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir until fully combined.
07 - Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. For thicker consistency, simmer uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes.
09 - Serve hot with optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The rich blend of smoked paprika and cumin creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully as it simmers
- Its a forgiving recipe that welcomes substitutions while staying consistently delicious
- The leftovers actually improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
02 -
- Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully if you want a lighter version, though you might need an extra splash of oil
- The seasoning balance might need tweaking depending on your chili powder blend, so taste before serving
- Simmering with the lid off for the last 15 minutes is the secret to perfect thickness
03 -
- Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle
- Making it a day ahead always improves the depth and complexity