Description
Easy Chipotle Chili Creamy Smoky Comfort for All Weeknights
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) beans (optional)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, diced avocado, or salsa
Instructions
- Heat a large, sturdy pot over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. When it shimmers, add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent and just starting to caramelize, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. If you see a lot of fat, you can tilt the pot and spoon some off, but it’s not strictly necessary for flavor if you’re not aiming for ultra-lean.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chipotle peppers, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes, just until the spices wake up and become fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the chili simmer, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using beans, stir them in about 10 minutes before the end of cooking. Add half of the cheddar cheese, and stir until it’s melted and fully incorporated, giving the chili a creamy binding that carries the heat nicely.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. If you want a hint of brightness, finish with a splash of lime juice and a handful of chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Serve hot, topped with the remaining cheddar cheese and your favorite toppings. If you want to keep the Cheddar shining, turn off the heat and let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving; the cheese will soften beautifully on top.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chipotle Cheddar Beef Chili