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Delish Sweet and Spicy Chili Recipes

Delish Sweet and Spicy Chili Recipes

This hearty sweet and spicy chili balances smoky heat with a touch of maple and brown sugar for incredible depth. Perfect for game day or cozy weeknights, it’s thick, beefy, bean‑packed, and customizable with your favorite toppings.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pound ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 piece yellow onion, diced medium
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 piece jalapeño, seeded and minced use 2 for extra heat
  • 3 clove garlic, minced
  • 2.5 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1.5 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 28 ounce crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounce tomato sauce
  • 1.5 cup beef broth low-sodium
  • 15 ounce kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 ounce black beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder adds depth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for serving, optional
  • 0.5 cup sour cream for serving, optional
  • 0.5 cup sliced green onions for serving, optional
  • 0.5 cup chopped fresh cilantro for serving, optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned with minimal pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced jalapeño. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Toast spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add kidney beans and black beans. Stir to combine.
  • Mix in brown sugar, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and apple cider vinegar until fully incorporated.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally so the bottom doesn’t scorch.
  • Uncover and simmer another 10 to 15 minutes to thicken to your liking. If too thick, splash in a bit more broth or water.
  • Taste and adjust: add more salt for savoriness, vinegar for brightness, maple for sweetness, or cayenne for heat.
  • Ladle into bowls and top with cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and cilantro, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For a leaner chili, substitute turkey for beef and use chicken broth. Chili tastes even better the next day—cool completely and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.