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Ryan's Chili Recipe

From episode 1206, "Rebuilding Cabin Destroyed by Storm", which first aired January 26, 2026

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1-1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup poblano pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
  • 3 each garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp Kosher salt, divided
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 bag pepperoni, sliced
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 3 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp Frank's hot sauce
  • 3 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 15-oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth, low sodium
  • 1 15-oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or pot set over medium heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, poblano peppers, jalapeno peppers, garlic, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until the veggies are tender, about 8 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt,and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with the edge of a wooden spoon, until browned, about 7 minutes. Drain of all but 2 tablespoons excess fat.
  • Add the tomato paste, hot sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring, until well-combined and the spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine, then bring to a rapid simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook,covered but stirring occasionally,for at least 30 minutes.(When I have more time, I prefer to reduce the heat to low and cook the chili, covered, for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally).
  • About 15 minutes prior to serving, add the beans and pepperoni, if using, and stir to combine. Cook, uncovered, until the beans are tender.
  • Add your desired toppings such as sour cream, cheddar cheese, corn chips, and/or green onions, and serve.