Spicy Chipotle Steak Chili: A Bold Twist on Comfort Food

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Looking to warm up on a chilly day? This Spicy Chipotle Steak Chili is destined to become your new go-to for cozy nights in. Tender cubes of steak meld with smoky chipotle peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, and hearty beans for a bowl of pure comfort. Best of all, it’s straightforward to prepare, bursting with flavor, and tailor-made for sharing.

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Ingredients

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  • 1½ pounds sirloin steak, trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust for desired heat)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by patting your sirloin cubes dry with a paper towel and seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove the seared steak from the pot and set it aside.

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Without wiping out the pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to pick up any browned bits left from the steak. Then add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Toast the spices for about 1 minute, watching carefully so they don’t burn.

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Return the steak to the pot, and stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, and kidney beans. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any remaining caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, adjust the heat to low, and cover. Let the chili cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is tender and the flavors have melded together. Taste the chili and add salt or pepper if needed.

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When ready to serve, ladle your Spicy Chipotle Steak Chili into bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro, if desired.

This recipe proves that chili can be just as satisfying—if not more so—when made with succulent chunks of steak instead of ground meat. It’s perfect for chilly nights, game-day entertaining, or any time you’re craving a hearty meal. Swap out kidney beans for pinto or black beans, choose a milder pepper if you prefer less heat, or add more veggies like corn or zucchini if you want to boost nutrition. No matter how you personalize it, you’ll love how this steak chili warms both body and soul.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.