If you love a hearty, flavorful chili, you will enjoy the Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe. This chili is rich, spicy and full of meaty goodness. It’s perfect for cold nights, family dinners or game day meals.
Many people ask how to make Pepper Belly Pete Chili at home. Don’t worry; it is easy to prepare and very satisfying. You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this chili taste amazing.
With the right spices, fresh vegetables and tender meat, you can create a dish that tastes just like the famous Pepper Belly Pete version. This recipe will guide you step by step. The Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also fun to cook. You can adjust the heat and flavors to match your taste.
You will learn how to make Pepper Belly Pete Chili in a simple way. We will also cover the ingredients for Pepper Belly Pete Chili so you know exactly what to buy. Once you try this chili, it might become your favorite family recipe.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The magic of Pepper Belly Pete Chili comes from the balance of spices, fresh vegetables, and slow-cooked meat. The combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin gives it a deep, smoky flavor.
Using fresh peppers adds a mild sweetness that balances the heat. Another secret is slow cooking. Letting the chili simmer for hours allows the flavors to blend perfectly.
Ground beef and tender beans give it a hearty texture. Every bite is warm, comforting, and satisfying. Adjust the chili powder if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Pepper Belly Pete Chili
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Can opener
- Ladle
Ingredients You Need for Pepper Belly Pete Chili
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add ground beef. Cook until browned. Stir often for even cooking. - Add Onion and Garlic
Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. - Add Bell Peppers
Mix in red and green bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes until slightly soft. - Add Spices
Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper and cayenne. Stir well. - Add Tomato Paste
Mix in tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes to release flavors. - Add Tomatoes and Beans
Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans and black beans. Stir everything together. - Add Beef Broth
Pour in beef broth. Mix until ingredients are evenly combined. - Simmer the Chili
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally. - Check the Flavor
Taste chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. - Serve Hot
Ladle chili into bowls. Garnish with cheese, sour cream, or green onions if desired.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Mix in corn or chopped zucchini for more vegetables.
- Use smoked sausage instead of ground meat for a smoky flavor.
- Let chili rest for a few hours; flavors improve after sitting.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pepper Belly Pete Chili with warm cornbread or over steamed rice. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions. You can also pair it with tortilla chips or a fresh green salad. This chili is perfect for family meals, parties or cozy nights at home.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl.
Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Cook the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add ground beef. Cook until browned. Stir often for even cooking.
Add Onion and Garlic
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add Bell Peppers
- Mix in red and green bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes until slightly soft.
Add Spices
- Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir well.
Add Tomato Paste
- Mix in tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes to release flavors.
Add Tomatoes and Beans
- Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir everything together.
Add Beef Broth
- Pour in beef broth. Mix until ingredients are evenly combined.
Simmer the Chili
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
Check the Flavor
- Taste chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Serve Hot
- Ladle chili into bowls. Garnish with cheese, sour cream, or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Mix in corn or chopped zucchini for more vegetables.
- Use smoked sausage instead of ground meat for a smoky flavor.
- Let chili rest for a few hours; flavors improve after sitting.
FAQs about Pepper Belly Pete Chili
Q1: Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground beef with extra beans, lentils, or plant-based meat substitutes. Adjust spices for flavor.
Q2: How spicy is Pepper Belly Pete Chili?
The chili has a mild to medium heat. You can add more cayenne or hot sauce to increase spiciness.
Q3: Can I use canned chili beans instead of regular beans?
Yes! Just drain and rinse the beans to reduce excess sodium. It works well in this recipe.
Q4: How long does it take to cook this chili?
It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes total, including prep and simmering. Longer simmering enhances flavor.
Q5: Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown meat and sauté vegetables first. Then add all ingredients to slow cooker for 4-6 hours.
Conclusion
The Pepper Belly Pete Chili Recipe is easy, tasty, and full of flavor. You can make it at home with simple ingredients. Knowing how to make Pepper Belly Pete Chili helps you impress family and friends. Adjust the spice and toppings to your liking.
Follow the ingredients for Pepper Belly Pete Chili carefully for the best results. Serve it hot with cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad. This chili is perfect for any occasion. Try it today, and you will enjoy every hearty bite!
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.