Spicy Chili Recipe

Are you craving something hot and fiery yet comfortable? This spicy chili recipe can satisfy you with its flavors, boldness, and richness. This sauce is loaded with beef, hearty kidney beans, chilies, and aromatic spices.

It is a dish that can warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you host a family dinner or enjoy a cozy night, this spicy homemade chili brings the perfect vibe. It has the perfect balance of spice and flavors that keeps everyone satisfied.

This article presents the best spicy chili recipe for beginners. You can use our special tips to become an expert on this sauce recipe. Then, impress your loved ones with this chili sauce in family dinners, gatherings, or game nights.   

Why You Must Try This Recipe at Home?

Store-bought spicy chili has no control over your spicy tolerance level. You have the chance to control the heat in the homemade version. Therefore, you must try this recipe at home to get perfect heat and customized flavors that suit your taste.

The spicy chili recipe is a perfect one-pot meal with proper nutrition. It is rich in protein and surprisingly easy to make. Besides, homemade sauces are healthier than store-bought sauces because homemade sauces are 100% preservative-free.

Therefore, whether you prefer meaty or extra hot, our recipe guarantees authentic chili flavors every time. 

Ingredients and Substitutions You Need for This Recipe

Here we attach a table where we provide all the required ingredients and amounts. We also add substitutions.

Ingredient	Amount	Substitutions/Notes
Ground Beef	500 grams	Ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based meat
Chopped Onion	1 medium	White onion
Minced Garlic	3 cloves	Garlic powder
Chopped Jalapeño	2 – 3 pieces	Red chili peppers or cayenne pepper
Tomato Paste	2 tablespoons	Tomato Puree
Crushed Tomatoes	400 grams	Fresh tomatoes blended
Red Kidney Beans (Cooked)	1 cup	Black beans or pinto beans
Chili Powder	2 tablespoons	Adjust to your heat level
Cumin Powder	1 teaspoon	Adjust to your taste
Smoked Paprika	1 teaspoon	Normal paprika
Salt	1 teaspoon	Adjust to your preferences
Ground Black Pepper	½ teaspoon	White pepper powder
Olive Oil	2 tablespoons	Vegetable oil or butter
Beef Broth	1 cup	Chicken broth or Vegetable broth

• Ground beef provides a rich, meaty flavor base and makes this dish high in protein.
• Onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic enhances aroma and boosts overall taste.
• Jalapeño delivers the characteristic heat and spice.
• Tomato paste thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Crushed tomatoes serve as the main sauce base.
• Red kidney beans provide fiber, texture, and extra nutrition.
• Chili powder & cumin infuse flavor, warmth, and earthy spice tones.
• Smoked paprika brings smoky undertones typical of authentic chili.
• Olive oil helps sauté aromatics and enhances richness.
• Salt & pepper balance and highlight the main flavors.
• Broth helps simmer the ingredients to a smooth consistency.

How to Make Spicy Chili at Home: Simple 7 Steps 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Initially, check the ingredient list and collect all the required ingredients. Then, measure them.

• Now, remove the peel of the onion and garlic.
• Wash the onion, garlic, and jalapeño nicely.
• After that, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
• Remove the stem of the jalapeño and chop it nicely.

Note: You can remove the seeds for a smooth texture and reduce the heat.  

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Spices and Chilies

The ingredients are ready. Now, you can start cooking.

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Then, add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes.
• The onion becomes soft. Now add minced garlic and sauté for a minute.
• Finally, add chopped jalapeños and sauté everything beautifully.  

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

After sautéing the aromatic spices and jalapenos, add the ground beef to the pot.

• Stir the ground beef gently.
• Cook it until browned.
• It may take about 10 minutes. 

Step 4: Add Other Ingredients

The beef is cooked and browned; it’s time to add the other ingredients.

• First, add tomato paste and mix well.
• Secondly, add crushed tomatoes and cooked kidney beans for hot chili beans.
• Cook them for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
• It’s time to add the seasoning ingredients.
• Add chili powder, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper powder into the sauce base. 
• Give a nice mixture.
• The base of the spicy chili is ready.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

The sauce base is ready. It’s time to add the broth.

• Pour an adequate amount of broth into the sauce base and stir nicely.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until thickened and flavorful. 

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

The spicy homemade chili is almost ready. However, by applying this step, you can adjust the taste according to your preferences.

• Take a spoonful of the classic chili recipe and taste it.
• You can add extra red chili powder or cayenne pepper powder if you want extra spiciness.
• Similarly, if you can’t tolerate the spicy level, you can add some sugar to the dish to balance the spiciness.
• The addition of white vinegar or lemon juice brings a slight tangy flavor and also helps to preserve the spicy chili recipe.  

Step 7: Serve the Sauce

Finally, the spicy chili is ready.

• Remove the pot from the heat.
• Serve hot spicy chili with rice, bread, spaghetti, pasta, and many more. 

4 Special Tips for an Authentic Spicy Chili Recipe

• Consistency is an important feature of this spicy chili. If you want thick consistency with deep flavor, you should simmer the sauce longer. To make the consistency light, you can add some extra broth.
• Though professionals serve the spicy chili hot, experts suggest resetting it for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Resting helps flavors develop beautifully.
• Chefs recommend adding a piece of dark chocolate or a splash of coffee to get a smoky undertone with an attractive color.
• If you toast the chili powder and cumin powder before adding them to the sauce base, you will get a deeper flavor.  

Conclusion

The spicy chili recipe combines rich, smoky, fiery flavors and comfort. This dish will never disappoint you. When you crave something spicy, you can enjoy this recipe. On the other hand, it is a perfect dish for a simple and cozy meal.

Additionally, you can make a variety of dishes using this one-pot meal. If you have 1 hour in hand, try this recipe once. You will love this spicy chili for sure. Stay with us for more useful recipes.

FAQs

Can I Make Vegan Spicy Chili?

Yes, it is possible to make vegan spicy chili. You can replace the meat with lentils, tofu crumble, mushrooms, or any other plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This will taste quite similar and flavorful.  

What Toppings Go Best With Spicy Chili?

You can add various toppings with spicy chili. Let me mention the best 5 toppings here.

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Avocado slices 

Can I Make the Spicy Chili Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the spicy chili ahead of time. Chili tastes even more flavorful the next day because it allows flavors to meld over time. Cool the chili recipe completely. Then, store the spicy chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chili recipe for up to 3 months.