This Smoky Chipotle Chili packs a punch with rich flavors and a hint of spice. It’s loaded with beans, tomatoes, and smoky chipotle peppers that give it a delicious kick!
It’s the kind of chili that warms you up and gets your taste buds dancing. I love to serve it with crunchy tortilla chips. Bonus points if you add cheese on top! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I generally use ground beef for a rich flavor, but ground turkey or plant-based meat works great as lighter options. They’ll still deliver a hearty texture and taste!
Chipotle Peppers: These peppers add a smoky heat. If you want less spice, use just one pepper or substitute with a bit of smoked paprika for a milder touch.
Butternut Squash: This adds sweetness and texture. If it’s unavailable, sweet potatoes or even carrots work well. They’ll provide a similar balance to the spice!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh limes, use lemon juice as a substitute. Just adjust to taste, as lemons are a bit more tart.
How Can I Get the Perfect Texture in My Chili?
Getting the right texture in chili is essential for a great dish. Here are a few tips:
- Start with sautéing the onion and bell pepper to develop sweetness; this forms a flavorful base.
- Cook the ground beef well until browned. This step adds depth to the chili.
- Adding diced butternut squash will incorporate a bit of creaminess when it softens. It also thickens the chili naturally.
- Simmering without a lid aids in reducing excess liquid, leading to a thicker finished product.
Keep adjusting the cooking time based on how thick you want the chili. You can always cook it a bit longer for a great texture!
How to Make Smoky Chipotle Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to desired heat)
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from chipotle pepper can)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional for warmth)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup butternut squash or yellow squash, diced (optional for sweetness and texture)
- Juice of 1 lime (plus lime wedges for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Smoky Chipotle Chili recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to have this delicious and hearty meal on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and slightly translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This is where the flavors start to build!
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, throw in the minced garlic and diced yellow bell pepper. Cook them for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is fragrant and the pepper has softened just a bit.
3. Brown the Meat:
Now, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Use your spoon to break it up as it cooks, stirring until it’s browned all over, which should take about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Spice It Up:
Time to add some flavor! Stir in the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 1-2 minutes so the spices can toast and release their lovely aromas.
5. Mix in the Tomatoes and Squash:
Add the canned diced tomatoes (with all their juicy goodness), beef broth, and your diced butternut squash (if you’re using it). Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Simmer:
Bring your chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Leave the pot uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the squash to soften and the chili to thicken up just right!
7. Add Lime Juice:
Once your chili is thickened and fragrant, stir in the juice of one lime. Taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. It’s amazing how a little lime can brighten the flavors!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Smoky Chipotle Chili is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and shredded cheddar cheese if you like. This hearty chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
This chili is sure to warm you up and delight your taste buds with its smoky kick and tangy lime finish. Perfect for cozy nights in or sharing with friends!
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Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Chili?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even meat alternatives like lentils or mushrooms work well. Just adjust the cooking time, as some may require less time to cook through.
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make this chili vegetarian or vegan, substitute the ground meat with canned beans (like black, kidney, or pinto beans) and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add some diced vegetables for extra texture!
Can I Freeze Leftover Chili?
Yes! Cool the chili to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
How Hot Is This Chili? Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
The chili has a nice smoky heat from the chipotle peppers, but you can easily adjust it! Use less chipotle or omit it altogether for a milder version. Adding a pinch of sugar can also help mellow out the heat if it gets too spicy for your taste!