Smoky Southwestern Black Bean Chili with Beef Jerky
Experience the bold flavors of the Southwest with this Smoky Southwestern Black Bean Chili, inspired by a delightful culinary experience at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. This hearty chili combines tender ground beef, savory beef jerky, and a variety of vibrant vegetables. The inclusion of chipotle peppers provides a tantalizing heat, while smoky mozzarella cheese adds a creamy finish. Perfect for a cozy gathering or meal prep, this recipe yields 2 gallons of rich, flavorful chili that you can freeze for later enjoyment. Dive into an unforgettable taste of Arizona and warm up with every spoonful.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
1 (96 ounce) can or 3 cups (If using dried beans, soak overnight and cook until tender.)
raw ground beef
3 lbs (Brown in skillet.)
beef jerky
1 lb (Shred into small pieces.)
yellow onions
2 large (Dice finely.)
fresh garlic
1/2 cup (Chop finely.)
green bell peppers
8 small (Dice into small pieces.)
chipotle peppers
2 (Chop from can.)
chili sauce
2 cups (Use canned.)
tomato paste
2 cups (Use canned.)
beef stock or chicken stock
2 quarts (Use store-bought or homemade.)
mild chili powder
1 tablespoon (Use dried.)
cumin
1 tablespoon (Use ground.)
ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon (Use freshly ground.)
kosher salt
to taste (Add at the end.)
fresh cilantro
1 cup (Chop coarsely.)
smoked mozzarella cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups (Shred for serving.)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and brown the raw ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet, returning the cooked beef to the pan.
3
Add the diced yellow onions to the skillet and sauté them with the beef for about 2 minutes, allowing them to soften.
4
Stir in the chopped garlic, shredded beef jerky, and diced green bell peppers, and continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are caramelized.
5
Once the vegetables are nicely caramelized, add the tomato paste and pour in enough beef or chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom.
6
Next, incorporate the chili sauce along with the remaining ingredients, except for the fresh cilantro.
7
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for about an hour, allowing all the spices and flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.
8
After simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt as needed, remembering that the beef jerky contributes saltiness.
9
Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the fresh chopped cilantro, aiming to keep it vibrant and green.
10
Serve the chili hot, garnished generously with shredded smoked mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.
11
For added enjoyment, serve alongside crispy fried tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, or flatbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Southwestern Black Bean Chili?
It is a hearty southwestern-style chili featuring ground beef, shredded beef jerky, and black beans with a smoky flavor profile.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a culinary experience at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.
How much ground beef is needed for this chili?
The recipe requires 3 lbs of raw ground beef, which should be browned in a skillet.
Why is beef jerky included in the recipe?
Beef jerky adds a unique savory flavor and chewy texture to the chili, contributing to its smoky profile.
How much beef jerky should I use?
You should use 1 lb of beef jerky, shredded into small pieces.
What quantity of black beans does the recipe call for?
Use one 96-ounce can of black beans or 3 cups of prepared beans.
Can I use dried black beans for this recipe?
Yes, if using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until they are tender before adding them to the chili.
How many green bell peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 small green bell peppers, diced into small pieces.
What is the total yield of this chili recipe?
This recipe yields approximately 2 gallons of rich and flavorful chili.
How much garlic is used in the chili?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh garlic.
Is this chili recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the large yield makes it perfect for meal prep as it can be frozen for later enjoyment.
How do I prepare the yellow onions?
Use 2 large yellow onions and dice them finely before sautéing with the beef.
What provides the heat in this southwestern chili?
The heat comes from 2 chopped chipotle peppers and mild chili powder.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of canned tomato paste.
What type of stock should be used for the base?
You can use 2 quarts of either beef stock or chicken stock, store-bought or homemade.
What are the primary spices used for seasoning?
The primary spices are 1 tablespoon of mild chili powder, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 tablespoon of ground black pepper.
When should the fresh cilantro be added?
Stir in 1 cup of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro after removing the pot from the heat to keep it vibrant.
What type of cheese is recommended for serving?
It is best served garnished with shredded smoked mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.
How long does it take to brown the ground beef?
It typically takes 5 to 7 minutes over medium-high heat until the beef is fully cooked.
Why is it important to drain the fat after browning the beef?
Draining the fat ensures the chili isn't overly greasy and has a cleaner flavor.
How long should the chili simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for about an hour to allow the spices and flavors to meld.
When should I add the kosher salt?
Add kosher salt to taste at the very end of the cooking process.
Why should I wait until the end to salt the chili?
The beef jerky contributes significant saltiness to the dish, so it is safer to adjust the salt level after simmering.
What are some suggested side dishes?
Serve alongside crispy fried tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, or flatbread.
How many chipotle peppers are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 chipotle peppers, chopped from a can.
How much chili sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of canned chili sauce.
What is the preparation for the green bell peppers?
The 8 small green bell peppers should be diced into small pieces.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Add the tomato paste and stock to the pan and scrape up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the garlic, jerky, and peppers for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are caramelized.
Can I use Monterey Jack if I don't have smoked mozzarella?
Yes, Monterey Jack cheese is a perfectly acceptable substitute for the garnish.