Smoky Chipotle Chili

Ready to warm your soul because this Smoky Chipotle Chili will do just that!  It is so hearty and so delicious. I promise you won’t miss the beans because the sweet potato bites fill in and add a touch of sweetness to the smoky flavor of this chili.  This hearty bowl is a great way to get in veggies, lots of protein, and immunity-boosting bone broth too.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Plenty of leftovers: This Smoky Chipotle Chili makes a nice big pot full for a larger family. You will also have lots of leftovers if it's just the two of you. I love reheating this chili for lunches!

Its bean free: Can't tolerate legumes? No worries as this chili uses sweet potatoes in place of beans and I promise you will never miss them! The sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness to compliment the heat too.

Quick and easy: This chili can be ready in less than an hour. It is the perfect any-day-of-the-week dinner!

Ingredients You Will Need

Ground beef: Ground beef works wonders in a chili. It imparts a hearty flavor and juicy texture that perfectly complements the rich, savory, and spicy notes of the chili.

Onion: I prefer yellow onion for this recipe as it has a bolder flavor than sweet onions. However, you can certainly use sweet if you prefer.

Bell pepper: These peppers bring a touch of sweetness as they soften from the cooking process.

Diced tomatoes: Tomatoes are a significant source of umami flavor. Consumed raw or cooked and an especially delicious addition to chili bringing a sweet and juicy flavor.

Green chili pepper: Green chili peppers are known as Hatch or Anaheim chilies. They are a nice option when you aren't looking for a super spicy pepper. They are not as hot as jalapeño peppers.

Beef bone broth: I'm a huge fan of adding bone broth over regular broth whenever I can. It provides all the nutritional benefits. However, you can absolutely use regular broth instead. For this recipe, I used Chipotle beef bone broth available from Kettle and Fire.

Sweet potato: Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable belonging to the morning glory family. They can be quite large and have a starchy, sweet-tasting flesh. They are perfect for dicing in this chili as they retain their texture making them similar to beans.

Tomato paste: I like to use tomato paste as it has a stronger flavor than tomato sauce. It also acts as a thickener for the sauce.

Garlic powder: Using garlic powder over minced garlic is best in this recipe. It easily dissipates into the chili for a better overall texture.

Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika introduces a distinct smoky flavor that complements the other spices, adding depth and a unique taste.

Ground cumin: Cumin, with its warm and earthy notes, lends a distinctive aromatic flavor that's quintessential to this chili.

Chili powder: Chili powder, a vibrant and flavorful spice, creates a rich and robust flavor to this chili.

Salt and pepper: Salt enhances and balances flavors. Ground black pepper adds a gentle heat, improving the overall flavor of a dish.

Cilantro: This bright and fresh herb adds a refreshing touch that complements the spicy-sweet blend perfectly.

Lime: In this recipe the lime juice is used in the chili as well as for garnish. Squeezing lime juice in adds a tangy citrus flavor that enhances the dish's overall taste and freshness.

Avocado: The avocado is also used for garnish in this chili. It adds a creamy, mild flavor which compliments the heat of the chili. Fun fact- Did you know that avocados are known as "alligator pears"? They have a creamy smooth flesh and a bumpy skin. Best known as the star ingredient in guacamole, they are versatile. You can prepare them in an array of dishes or simply eat them with a spoon.

Instructions

Cook the beef: Add ground beef and onions to a large pot, breaking apart the beef and cooking until no longer pink.

To the pot add: Add sweet potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, green chilis , tomato paste and broth, stirring well

Cook the chili: Simmer on medium low for 15 minutes

Add the spice: Add all of the spice and fresh cilantro, simmer another 10 minutes

Garnish: Serve and garnish with lime slices and avocado

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make it ahead: Go ahead and make this Smoky Chipotle Chili ahead of time. It gets better and better the next few days as the flavors meld together.

Double the recipe: Need a delicious chili for a pot luck dinner or game day party? Double this recipe and watch it disappear! Be sure to bring the tortilla chips for scooping it up!

Recipe Variations

Chipotle beef bone broth: If you can't find chipotle seasoned bone broth, simply add 2 teaspoons of chipotle seasoning blend to the chili along with your beef broth.

Beans: If you are not concerned with keeping this recipe Paleo and Whole30 friendly, go ahead and add your favorite beans. If using canned beans, rinse them well before adding them to the chili.

Ground beef: Feel free to swap ground chicken or ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe. It will be equally as delicious!

Storage Tips

To store the Smoky Chipotle Chili, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate 5-7 days. The chili can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

FAQs About Smoky Chipotle Chili

What does Chipotle taste like?

Chipotle gets its flavor from using firewood to dry and smoke the red jalapeño for several days in an open smoker.

What gives chili a smoky flavor?

The smoky flavor comes from adding cumin, smoked paprika, and ancho chili. However, if you want more heat you can add cayenne or crushed red pepper.

What is the most important spice in chili?

If you guessed chili powder you are correct! Chili seasoning usually contains ground chilies, garlic powder, ground cumin and Mexican oregano.