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Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe

Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe

A bold and hearty homemade chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, peppers, and warm spices. This comforting one-pot meal is rich, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds Ground beef Lean preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 large Onion Chopped
  • 2 Bell peppers Chopped
  • 1 Jalapeño Minced
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste Adds richness
  • 1 can 28 oz Crushed tomatoes Chili base
  • 1 can 15 oz Kidney beans Drained
  • 1 can 15 oz Black beans Drained
  • 1½ cups Beef broth For consistency
  • 2 tablespoons Chili powder Main seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin Adds warmth
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Light smoky flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper Adds mild heat

Equipment

  • 1 Large Dutch oven or heavy pot For cooking chili evenly
  • 1 Cutting board For chopping vegetables
  • 1 Sharp knife Needed for slicing peppers and onions
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring chili
  • 1 Measuring cups Used for broth and ingredients
  • 1 Measuring spoons For spices
  • 1 Ladle For serving chili

Method
 

Step 1
  1. Place a large pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add olive oil and let it warm for about one minute.
    Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe
Step 2
  1. Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it into small pieces until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
    Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe
Step 3
  1. Add chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for about five minutes until they soften.
    Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe
Step 4
  1. Stir in the minced jalapeño and garlic. Cook for about one minute until fragrant.
    Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe
Step 5
  1. Add tomato paste and cook for two minutes, stirring well to deepen the flavor.
    Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe
Step 6
  1. Pour in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir until everything is well combined.
    Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe
Step 7
  1. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
    Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe
Step 8
  1. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe
Step 9
  1. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed.
    Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe
Step 10
  1. Turn off the heat, let it rest for about 10 minutes, then ladle into bowls and serve warm.
    Pepper Belly Pete’s Chili Recipe

Notes

You can replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Add corn if you prefer a slightly sweet contrast to the chili spices.
For extra heat, add another jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.