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–+ servings
A bowl of beef chili topped with sour cream, avocado, and jalapeño
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4.50 from 2 votes

Ground Beef Chili with Chipotle

A simple but flavorful ground beef chili recipe with slight heat from chipotle peppers and rich beefy flavor.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Keyword: beef chili, ground beef chili, ground beef chili recipe
Servings: 4 people
Author: Mary Cressler | Vindulge
Cost: $15.00

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • 1 cup diced red onion (1/2 a medium red onion)
  • 1 cup diced yellow pepper (1 large yellow pepper)
  • 2 tablespoons diced jalapeños, ribs and seeds removed (1 large jalapeño)
  • 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 15 ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 4 ounce can diced green chilis
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 whole diced chipotle in adobo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotles
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste (to finish)

Instructions

  • Preheat a 3 quart dutch oven or large sauce pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow to heat up and slightly smoke.
  • Add bacon and stir frequently over medium heat until the bacon starts to get crispy, about 6 - 8 minutes.
  • After bacon is slightly crispy, add the ground beef, salt and pepper and stir over medium heat. It will sizzle at first and as you stir it will temper the heat. Continue cooking the beef, stirring in the bacon fat an additional 6 - 8 minutes or until browned. If the heat isn't high enough it won't brown. After it is browned, place the lid on the dutch oven and drain the excess liquid from the pot.
  • Slightly reduce the heat and add onions, yellow and jalapeño peppers. Stir for 5 - 7 minutes or until they soften.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, stir to incorporate, and let come to a simmer. Cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stir occasionally. The chili will thicken as it simmers.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste, and add your favorite toppings.

Notes

Topping Ideas:
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
  • Chives or Green Onions
  • Avocado
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Sliced Jalapeño
  • Squeeze of Fresh Lime Juice
  • More Bacon - Cause - It's Bacon