Spicy Chili

It takes a lot of ingredients to make the best spicy chili recipe, but at least you’ll use most of the leftover spices more than once. The big flavors in this spicy chili come from standard pantry essentials you probably already have. We’re just bringing them all together for one of the heartiest spicy chili recipes you could wish for.

You’ll taste all kinds of spicy chilis in your culinary lifetime. This one checks off the key ingredients—meat, beans, chili and tomatoes—leaving you free to customize the balance of supporting flavors each time you make it.

Ingredients for Spicy Chili

• Ground beef and Italian sausage: Choose a ground beef with a little fat for flavor, but not so much that it’s oozing oil over every spoonful. An herby, sweet and spicy pork sausage will go well with the beef.
• Stewed tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes (and keep the juice) without herbs added, as they can turn the flavor sour.
• Kidney beans: You’ll want to use canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained, to save time.
• Onion and green pepper: A cup of chopped sweet white onion will add its signature aroma, and a chopped green pepper, with the seeds removed, brings texture and crunch.
• Tomato paste: A can of tomato paste adds concentrated tangy tomato flavor.
• Jalapeno peppers: Finely chopped and de-seeded, jalapenos add a fresh burst of heat.
• Chili powder: The chili powder adds heat to the dish, along with that chili color.
• White vinegar: The vinegar enhances the other flavors in the chili and cuts through the oiliness.
• Mustard: Use a spicy brown mustard for umami flavor and depth.
• Oregano and cumin: Dried oregano naturally pairs well with Italian sausage, and ground cumin adds an earthy, smoky flavor.
• Garlic: Mince a couple of garlic cloves for a foundational seasoning in any slow-cooked meat dish.
• Hot pepper sauce: The hot pepper sauce brings a fiery, fruity or sweet heat to the dish.
• Paprika: Just a teaspoon of paprika adds color and warmth to the stew.
• Sour cream (optional): You might like a dollop of sour cream on top of each dish to mellow the heat.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the meat

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In a Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, five to seven minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients and simmer

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Add the stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, onion, green pepper, tomato paste, jalapenos, chili powder, vinegar, mustard, oregano, garlic, cumin, hot pepper sauce, salt and paprika. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. If desired, serve the chili with sour cream and additional chopped jalapeno on top.

Editor’s Tip: Always wear gloves when handling spicy peppers, as the oils can burn your skin and find their way into your eyes.

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Spicy Chili Variations

• Make a slow spicy chili: If you have the time, brown your meat first and let it rest, soak dried kidney beans overnight and boil them separately, and simmer your tomato sauce with herbs and spices before adding the meat and beans.
• Add cheese: Shredded cheese or queso fresco melted on top makes the chili creamier and more appetizing.
• Vary the meat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or smoked sausage instead of Italian. Lean, full-flavored game meat also works well, though it needs slow cooking. Try a Wild West chili with venison, wild boar or elk, if they’re available to you.

How to Store Spicy Chili

Allow your chili to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors will build further, so leftovers are a treat to look forward to.

Can you freeze spicy chili?

Yes, spicy chili can be frozen for four to six months. For batch cooking, transfer it into smaller freezer-safe containers (once it’s fully cooled) so you can thaw single servings as needed. You can reheat it on the stovetop directly or thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first.

Spicy Chili Tips

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What are the best “secret ingredients” for a spicy chili?

To customize your chili, you can add canned pureed pumpkin, molasses or brown sugar for sweetness, pickle juice to tone down the meatiness, or smoked peppers or cocoa powder to add depth to the savory flavors.

How do I fix a spicy chili that’s too fiery?

If the chili is too spicy, you can add acid (vinegar or lemon juice) or fat (yogurt, milk or cream). Another option is to dilute the heat by adding more tomatoes to the sauce.

What can I serve with spicy chili?

Traditional accompaniments include homemade cornbread, sweet potato fries or potato skins. For a lighter side, homemade coleslaw or a tomato salad would be refreshing.