Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 stalks celery, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or up to 90/10 lean to fat ratio)
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2-4 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 14.5-oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 large sweet potato (about 12 oz), diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 bay leaf
Garnishes
- Diced avocado
- Chopped red onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapenos
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add diced onion, celery, red and green bell peppers. Toss to coat and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent, about 7-9 minutes.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook, stirring and breaking it into pieces with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Aromatics & Spices: Stir in minced jalapeno, garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, kosher salt, and optional red pepper flakes. Continuously stir for 2 minutes until tomato paste is well incorporated and spices become fragrant and toasted.
- Combine Liquids & Sweet Potato: Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and diced sweet potato to the pot. Stir well and add bay leaf on top.
- Simmer Chili: Increase heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and simmer an additional 10 minutes if needed for deeper flavor, adjusting salt to taste.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle chili into bowls and top with diced avocado, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and green onions as desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Seed or keep seeds in jalapeno to control spiciness according to taste.
- Adjust chili powder quantity between 2 to 4 tablespoons depending on desired heat level.
- Crushed tomatoes can be substituted with fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smokier flavor.
- Simmering longer enhances flavor meld, but avoid boiling vigorously to prevent ingredient breakdown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
