There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to make you feel cozy, especially when the weather cools down. I love how a good chili can be both simple and packed with so much flavor.
Today, I’m sharing two fantastic chili recipes that I often make: a smoky, spicy Chipotle Chili and a comforting Classic Chili. You’ll find one that fits your mood perfectly!
Jump to Recipe:
Spicy Chipotle Chili Recipe
If you like a bit of heat and a wonderful smoky flavor, this chipotle chili is for you. It’s a rich and hearty meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or game day.
Key Ingredients & Chipotle Chili Tips
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These peppers are the star, giving your chili that distinct smoky heat. Use them whole for mild warmth or chop them fine for more spice.
- Dark Cocoa Powder: A secret ingredient! Just a teaspoon enhances the deep, earthy notes without making the chili taste like chocolate. It adds richness.
What You Need for Chipotle Chili
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (add more for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp dark cocoa powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro
⏱️ Time: 45 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 Servings
How to Make This Chipotle Chili
Step 1: Cook Meat and Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer and Season
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chipotle peppers, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for more flavor. Season with salt and pepper to your liking before serving.
📝 Final Note on Spice
You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers. If you prefer less heat, start with just one pepper and remove the seeds before mincing.
Hearty Classic Chili Recipe
This classic chili recipe is a comfort food staple that everyone loves. It’s packed with simple, familiar flavors and makes a big batch perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers.
Classic Chili Ingredients & Quick Tips
- Quality Chili Powder: The main spice here! Good chili powder makes a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount for that traditional chili taste.
- Simmer Time Matters: While you can eat it after 30 minutes, letting classic chili simmer for an hour or more lets all the flavors blend together beautifully. The longer, the better!
What You Need for Classic Chili
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2-3 tbsp chili powder (adjust to your preference)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, oyster crackers
⏱️ Time: 1 Hour🍽️ Yields: 8 Servings
How to Make This Classic Chili
Step 1: Brown Meat and Cook Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain off any excess fat. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until you smell it.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything well. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, or longer if you have time. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving warm.
📝 Serving Suggestion
Classic chili is wonderful with a variety of toppings! Try it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, or some crunchy oyster crackers. Cornbread on the side is also a favorite!
