Hearty Smoky Chipotle Pinto Bean Chili
This Hearty Smoky Chipotle Pinto Bean Chili is a delicious and warming dish perfect for chilly days or cozy gatherings. Packed with protein from tender pinto beans and chuck steak, the chili is enriched with smoky flavors from chipotle powder and a hint of sweetness from unsweetened cocoa. Vibrant bell peppers and corn add color and texture, while the combination of spices creates a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether served with reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro or enjoyed on its own, this chili makes a satisfying meal that is both hearty and healthy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried pinto beans
2 cups (rinsed and soaked overnight)
water
3 cups (for cooking the beans)
chopped onion
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
chili powder
2 tablespoons (for flavor)
dried chipotle powder
1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
unsweetened cocoa
2 tablespoons (for added depth)
chuck steak
1 lb (trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (for rich flavor)
red bell pepper
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
frozen corn kernels
3/4 cup (frozen)
diced tomatoes
15 ounces (canned, drained)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
reduced-fat sour cream
7 teaspoons (optional, for serving)
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Rinse the pinto beans under cold water, then soak them overnight in a large bowl filled with water. Drain and set aside.
2
In a slow cooker, combine the soaked beans with 3 cups of water, chopped onion, ground cumin, coriander, dried oregano, chili powder, chipotle powder, and cocoa. Stir well to combine.
3
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until the beans are tender.
4
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the chuck steak pieces for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, stirring well to combine.
5
Once the beans are tender, add the browned steak, chopped red and green bell peppers, frozen corn, drained diced tomatoes, and kosher salt to the slow cooker. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 30 minutes on LOW.
6
Taste the chili and adjust the heat by adding more chipotle chili powder if desired.
7
Serve hot, garnished with reduced-fat sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro, if using.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein source in the Hearty Smoky Chipotle Pinto Bean Chili?
The main protein sources are dried pinto beans and chuck steak pieces.
How should the pinto beans be prepared before cooking?
Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water and soak them overnight in a large bowl of water, then drain them before use.
What type of slow cooker setting is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for cooking the ingredients on the LOW setting.
How long do the beans need to cook in the slow cooker initially?
The soaked pinto beans should cook on LOW for approximately 6 hours until they are tender.
What unique ingredient is added to provide a hint of sweetness and depth?
Two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa are added to the chili for added depth of flavor.
How is the chuck steak prepared before being added to the slow cooker?
The steak should be trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces, then browned in a skillet for about 8 minutes.
When should the tomato paste be added?
Add the tomato paste to the skillet with the browned steak and cook for one additional minute before transferring to the slow cooker.
What types of peppers are included in this chili?
The recipe uses both red and green bell peppers, finely chopped.
Is the corn used in this recipe fresh, canned, or frozen?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of frozen corn kernels.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
Yes, the 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes should be drained before being added to the slow cooker.
How much water is needed for the initial bean cooking?
You should use 3 cups of water to cook the soaked beans in the slow cooker.
What spices are used to flavor the chili?
The spice blend includes ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, chili powder, and dried chipotle powder.
How can I adjust the heat level of the chili?
You can adjust the heat by adding more dried chipotle chili powder to taste.
How long is the final cook time after adding the steak and vegetables?
Once the steak, peppers, corn, and tomatoes are added, cook the mixture for an additional 30 minutes on LOW.
What are the recommended garnishes for this dish?
The chili is best served with reduced-fat sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it is tagged as spicy due to the inclusion of chili powder and chipotle powder.
Can this recipe be made in a crockpot?
Yes, this is a slow cooker/crockpot recipe.
Is this chili gluten-free?
The ingredients listed (beans, meat, vegetables, and spices) are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on items like tomato paste and cocoa powder.
How much salt is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt for seasoning.
What size should the onion pieces be?
The onion should be coarsely chopped to yield 1 cup.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While the recipe includes steak, it is tagged as vegan-friendly, implying the steak could be omitted or replaced with a plant-based alternative.
What is the total slow cooking time?
The total slow cooking time is approximately 6.5 hours on LOW.
What texture should the pinto beans have before adding the meat?
The beans should be tender before you add the steak and vegetables.
Is the cilantro added during the cooking process?
No, the fresh cilantro is chopped and used only as a garnish for serving.
What kind of steak is best for this chili?
Chuck steak is recommended as it becomes tender during the slow cooking process.
Does this recipe use oil for browning the meat?
The instructions do not specify oil, but you may use a small amount if necessary to brown the steak in the skillet.
How much cocoa powder is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa.
What is the serving size for the sour cream?
The recipe suggests 7 teaspoons of reduced-fat sour cream for the entire batch as an optional garnish.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute 15 ounces of fresh diced tomatoes, though canned provides consistent moisture and flavor.
Is it necessary to rinse the beans?
Yes, rinsing the pinto beans under cold water is the first step of the preparation.