Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired spicy queso beef chili delivers comfort and zest in one delicious bowl. Rich layers of ground beef, melted cheese, and bold spices create a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) mixed chili beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 poblano peppers, diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) fire-roasted tomatoes, crushed
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 avocado, sliced (for garnish)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Spices, Seasonings, and Dairy:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Greek yogurt or sour cream (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and crumbled, approximately 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked beef to a crockpot and incorporate diced onions, chopped poblano peppers, and aromatic spices including chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, diced green chilies, hot sauce, melted butter, and broth into the crockpot. Add bay leaves and season with salt, mixing ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 4-5 hours, ensuring ingredients meld together and develop rich flavors.
- During the final cooking stage, fold in cream cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chili beans, blending until cheese is completely integrated.
- Carefully ladle the robust chili into serving bowls, garnishing with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions.
- Complement the hearty chili with crisp tortilla chips or warm beer bread for a satisfying meal experience.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or using mild hot sauce for those sensitive to spice.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options.
- Enhance texture by using a mix of beans like black, kidney, and pinto for more complex flavor profiles.
- Prep ingredients ahead and freeze chili in portions for quick weeknight meals that taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours (depending on method)
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg