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Sweet and Spicy Honey Chipotle Beef Chili

Honey chipotle beef chili simmers in a Dutch oven until thick, with tender kidney beans, smoky adobo, and a sweet-heat finish. Brown the beef to 160°F, then let the chili simmer uncovered so the flavors deepen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 yellow onion medium, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper medium, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce from the can
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp honey

Equipment

  • 1 6-quart Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and it reaches 160°F.
  5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce; cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, salt, and black pepper, and bring to a simmer.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  8. Stir in the honey and simmer for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, simmer uncovered until thickened, stirring occasionally. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Ground turkey can replace the beef for a lighter variation.