Here’s a hearty Homemade Mexican Beef Chili—rich, spicy, and packed with traditional Mexican flavors 🌶️🥩🍅
Homemade Mexican Beef Chili
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients
Meat & Base
- 2 lb ground beef or stew beef, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes & Chiles
- 2 cans (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2–3 fresh or canned green chiles (roasted and diced)
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced (optional, for heat)
Spices
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Liquids & Extras
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 can (15 oz) drained beans (optional: pinto, kidney, or black beans)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
- Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add beef and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Build the Chili
- Return beef to the pot.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, green chiles, and jalapeños.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth.
4. Simmer
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add beans during the last 10–15 minutes if using.
5. Finish & Serve
- Stir in lime juice.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Serve hot with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or tortilla chips.
Variations
- Extra smoky: Use chipotle peppers in adobo
- Chunky veggie: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn
- Slow cooker: Brown meat and sauté onions first, then cook on LOW 6–8 hours
- Spicy level: Increase jalapeños, cayenne, or add hot sauce
💡 Pro Tips
- Browning the meat well gives richer flavor
- Let chili rest for 30 minutes before serving—flavors meld beautifully
- For thicker chili, simmer uncovered for last 15–20 minutes
If you want, I can also provide a Tex-Mex style chili with cheese and beer, or a slow-cooker Mexican chili that’s perfect for weeknights.
Do you want me to do that?
