Homemade Mexican Beef Chili

Here’s a hearty, bold, and flavor-packed recipe for Homemade Mexican Beef Chili — rich in spices, deeply savory, and perfect for a cozy night in. This version combines ground beef with classic Mexican flavors like smoky chili powder, cumin, and optional cocoa or chipotle for a deeper punch.

🌶️ Homemade Mexican Beef Chili

🍽️ Serves 6–8 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45–60 min (or simmer longer for deeper flavor)

🧺 Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1½ lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 works great)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1–2 tbsp tomato paste (for depth)

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 tsp salt, or to taste

🌶️ Spice Blend:

• 2½ tbsp chili powder

• 1½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but adds warmth)

• ½ tsp cocoa powder or a square of dark chocolate (optional, for depth)

• ½ tsp chipotle chili powder (optional, for smoky heat)

• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

🔪 Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add diced onion and cook until soft (5–6 min). Add garlic and jalapeño, cook another 1–2 min.

2. Brown the Beef:

   • Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add Tomato Base & Spices:

   • Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.

   • Mix in all the spices and cocoa (if using). Stir well to combine.

4. Simmer:

   • Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and cover.

   • Simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover for the last 10–15 min if you want it thicker.

5. Add Beans:

   • Stir in drained beans in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Simmer uncovered to let flavors meld.

6. Taste & Adjust:

   • Add salt, more broth if too thick, or more spice if needed.

🍽️ Serve With:

• Shredded cheddar or queso fresco

• Diced avocado

• Chopped cilantro

• Sour cream

• Tortilla chips, cornbread, or warm tortillas

👵 Grandma Mari’s Comfort Twist:

• She added a splash of beer or strong coffee to the simmering chili for depth.

• Sometimes she mixed in a spoon of masa harina near the end to thicken it and give it a tamale-like flavor.