Name: Bobby Flay’s Beef and Black Bean Chili: A Bold and Flavorful Twist on a Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean); 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans (or dried, soaked and cooked); 2 cans (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 jalapeños, diced; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat); 3 cups beef broth; Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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If you’re looking for a chili that packs a punch, then Bobby Flay’s Beef and Black Bean Chili is just what you need. This recipe brings together the rich, savory flavors of beef with the earthy goodness of black beans, all simmered in a spiced-up broth that’s bold, hearty, and absolutely delicious. It’s not just your average chili—this one is made with layers of flavor, thanks to Bobby Flay’s signature approach to seasoning and balance. Perfect for those chilly nights when you want something comforting but with a little extra flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This chili is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. The tender ground beef and hearty black beans create a solid base, while the mix of smoky chipotle, cumin, and other spices takes it to the next level. Plus, Bobby Flay’s use of fresh ingredients makes it bright and flavorful. You’ll love how satisfying and filling it is without feeling too heavy. It’s the perfect dish to serve up for a crowd, or just enjoy on a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want regular chili again!

Ingredients

Here’s a preview of the ingredients to get you started. Full list of everything you need is down below:

Ground beef (lean is best)
Black beans (canned or dried, but canned saves time)
Tomatoes (fire-roasted if you want extra flavor)
Onions, garlic, and jalapeños (for that great base)
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (for a smoky kick)
Cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (for all the right spices)
Beef broth (for a deep, savory broth)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create the chili of your dreams, with layers of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors!

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a bit of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and nice and crispy in spots. This step adds tons of flavor to the chili.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced onions, garlic, and jalapeños. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until everything softens and becomes fragrant. This is the base of the chili, so don’t rush this part! The onions and garlic will release their flavors and create a nice foundation for the chili.

Step 3: Stir in the Spices

Now it’s time to add the spices! Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or so, just to let the spices bloom. You’ll start to smell that amazing, smoky aroma!

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Chipotles

Next, add the canned fire-roasted tomatoes (or fresh, if you prefer) and the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes to combine the flavors. The chipotles will bring a smoky, spicy depth to the chili, so don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Simmer the Chili

Now pour in the beef broth and add the black beans (drained and rinsed if using canned). Stir everything together, bring the chili to a simmer, and then reduce the heat. Let it cook uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

After the chili has simmered, give it a taste and see if it needs a little more seasoning. Depending on your heat tolerance, you might want to add more cayenne or a pinch of salt. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more broth to thin it out.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions if you like.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For Extra Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add more chipotle peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the chili an extra kick.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in some bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor. It’s a great way to bulk up the chili if you’re serving a crowd.
Don’t Skip the Simmering: The longer you let this chili simmer, the better it gets. Give it at least 30 minutes to let the flavors really come together, but if you have time, let it go for an hour.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Meat Alternatives: You can easily substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version. For a vegetarian chili, just skip the meat and add more beans or even some roasted veggies.
Use Different Beans: While black beans are perfect in this recipe, you can swap them for kidney beans, pinto beans, or a combination of beans if that’s what you prefer.
Spice it Up: If you’re not a fan of chipotle peppers, you can substitute with smoked paprika or regular chili powder for a milder chili without losing that smoky flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Beef and Black Bean Chili is filling and hearty on its own, but it’s even better when served with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. If you’re looking to pair it with something to drink, a cold beer (especially a pale ale or lager) goes great with the chili, or you can try a zesty margarita if you’re in the mood for something different.

For a more complete meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the chili.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! This chili stores really well. Once it cools, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in advance? Yes! In fact, chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors have had more time to develop. Just store it in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans? Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the dried black beans separately before adding them to the chili. You’ll need to soak them first, then cook them until tender before incorporating them into the stew.
Can I add a sweetener to the chili? If you like a slight sweetness to balance the spice, try adding a spoonful of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Just start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the beef and cook the aromatics on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the beans in the last hour to keep them from getting too soft.

Conclusion

Bobby Flay’s Beef and Black Bean Chili is the ultimate bowl of comfort, with rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors that will leave you wanting more. It’s hearty enough to fill you up, but it’s not heavy, and it’s perfect for a cozy night in or for serving a crowd at your next gathering. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite toppings, this chili is sure to become a family favorite!

Bobby Flay’s Beef and Black Bean Chili: A Bold and Flavorful Twist on a Classic

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish, Chili
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This chili is a bold, hearty combination of tender beef and black beans, simmered in a flavorful, spiced broth with smoky chipotle peppers. Perfect for chilly nights or feeding a crowd, this recipe takes traditional chili to the next level with Bobby Flay’s signature seasoning.

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add oil and brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add Aromatics: Add diced onions, garlic, and jalapeños. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in Spices: Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes & Chipotles: Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes and chopped chipotle peppers. Cook for 5 minutes.
Simmer: Add beef broth and black beans. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes.
Taste & Adjust: Season to taste with salt, pepper, or more cayenne for extra heat.
Garnish & Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro. Optionally, top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions.