Cha Cha Chili
Warm up your weeknight dinners with Cha Cha Chili, a bold and flavorful one-pot recipe that’s perfect for hearty appetites and cozy gatherings. Featuring tender ground beef (or turkey), two kinds of protein-packed beans, and a medley of aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, this chili guarantees a symphony of savory and smoky flavors in every bite. A base of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic builds a rich foundation, while crushed tomatoes and a splash of broth create the ideal texture for simmering perfection. Ready in just an hour and customizable with toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, this easy homemade chili is your go-to for comfort food with a kick. Whether you're feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, Cha Cha Chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 0.25 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.
Add the kidney beans and black beans. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to incorporate the spices thoroughly.
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt or spice if desired.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
485 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.5 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 76 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 650 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.4 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 26.4 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 163 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 1169 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
