Homemade Mexican Beef Chili

Perfect choice! 🇲🇽✨ A Homemade Mexican Beef Chili is rich, hearty, and full of bold, smoky flavor — perfect for cozy nights or meal prep. This version balances tender beef, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices for that authentic depth of flavor.

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🌶️ Homemade Mexican Beef Chili

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or chuck, finely chopped)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) black beans (optional, for variety)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth or water

Spices:

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional additions:

• 1 tsp cocoa powder (adds richness)

• 1 tsp brown sugar or honey (balances acidity)

• Juice of ½ lime (for brightness at the end)

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Instructions

1. Cook the beef

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5–7 minutes).

3. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add veggies and aromatics

1. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño.

2. Sauté 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

3. Add spices

1. Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices (makes a big flavor difference).

4. Add sauce base

1. Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beans, and broth.

2. Mix well and bring to a simmer.

5. Simmer to perfection

• Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Adjust consistency with more broth if too thick.

6. Finish

• Stir in lime juice and (optional) a touch of cocoa powder or sugar.

• Taste and adjust seasoning.

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7. Serve

Serve hot with your favorite toppings:

• Chopped cilantro 🌿

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Shredded cheese

• Diced avocado

• Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

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💡 Tips

• For richer flavor, let chili simmer for an hour or more — it deepens beautifully.

• Add corn or diced zucchini near the end for texture and sweetness.

• You can also make it in a slow cooker: brown beef first, then cook on low 6–8 hours.

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Would you like me to give you a smoky chipotle version next — with roasted peppers and a little dark chocolate for that deep, restaurant-style chili flavor?